What Is The Animal Welfare Act?
The Animal Welfare Act is the federal law that regulates the humane care, handling, treatment, and transportation of animals in particular situations. The act focuses on protecting animals in laboratories, dealers who sell to laboratories, animal exhibitors, handlers, dog and cat breeders, puppy mills, zoos, and circuses. Sectors which are excluded from the act are retail pet stores, state and country fairs, livestock shows, and purebred dog and cat shows. The AWA also regulates standards regarding amount of space, feeding, bedding, exercise, and transportation according to species. For more information, contact the Animal Welfare Information Center.
