What is the Animal Welfare Act?
The Animal Welfare Act, originally called the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act, was established into a law on August 24, 1966. It was established in response to the growing concern for humane treatment of animals. It is the only federal law in the United States that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers, to keep all including animals safe and well cared for.
Outline of Animal Welfare Act:
Purpose: Provide the most minimal standards to maintain life of a captive animal.
Intention: Enforce humane treatment, to protect domesticated animals, animals used in testing, exhibitions, research, entertainment, and transport, and prosecute those who do not.
Included Animals: Any live or dead cat, dog, hamster, rabbit, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, and any other warm blooded animal determined by the department of agriculture.
Excluded Animals: Birds, rats and mice.
Includes Laws About: Housing, handling, sanitation, food, water, veterinary care and protection from weather extremes.
Enforcements: The Department of Agriculture (has no citizen supervision)
Definition of Violation of Animal Welfare Act- When a person has failed in proving the minimal standards for an animal to attain life.
Consequence for Violation: Depending on the offense and the amount of offenses, about $1,500 for each offense or jail time for major infractions.
Intention: Enforce humane treatment, to protect domesticated animals, animals used in testing, exhibitions, research, entertainment, and transport, and prosecute those who do not.
Included Animals: Any live or dead cat, dog, hamster, rabbit, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, and any other warm blooded animal determined by the department of agriculture.
Excluded Animals: Birds, rats and mice.
Includes Laws About: Housing, handling, sanitation, food, water, veterinary care and protection from weather extremes.
Enforcements: The Department of Agriculture (has no citizen supervision)
Definition of Violation of Animal Welfare Act- When a person has failed in proving the minimal standards for an animal to attain life.
Consequence for Violation: Depending on the offense and the amount of offenses, about $1,500 for each offense or jail time for major infractions.
Animal Welfare vs. Animal Rights
Animal Welfare Regulations
people 's responsibilities in the animal welfare act
- - to have a suitable environment (place to live)
- -to have a suitable diet
- -to exhibit normal behavior patterns
- -to exhibit normal behavior patterns
- -to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
- - to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease