Federal

Summary: This set of regulations contain the humane care provisions for dogs and cats under the Animal Welfare Act.

Summary: This set of the regulations sets out the requirements and process for licensing and registration of dealers, exhibitors and research facilities.

Summary: This portion of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations consists primarily of the definitions of the terms.

Summary: This the debate in the House of Representatives for the initial adoption of the Animal Welfare Act in 1966. For discussion of Act see, Overview

Summary: These regulations outline the requirements for the humane treatment of livestock prior to and during slaughter.  Included are the requirements for pens, holding, and transportation areas, and the special circumstances for transporting and holding "downed" (nonambulatory) livestock.  The regulations emphasize the minimization of "excitement and discomfort" to the livestock prior to transportation or slaughter.  Of special note are the requirements for humane methods of slaughter, including the use of carbon dioxide gas, captive bolt "stunners" and projectiles, gunshot, and electrical current.

Summary: This is a published draft list of the nonnative bird species that have been introduced by humans into the United States or its territories and to which the Migratory Bird Treaty Act MBTA does not apply. This action is required by the Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act (MBTRA) of 2004. The MBTRA amends the MBTA by stating that it applies only to migratory bird species that are native to the United States or its territories, and that a native migratory bird is one that is present as a result of natural biological or ecological processes. This notice identifies those species that are not protected by the MBTA, even though they belong to biological families referred to in treaties that the MBTA implements, as their presence in the United States and its territories is solely the result of intentional or unintentional human-assisted introductions.  It should be noted as with all changes to federal rules, public comment is sought.

Summary: Several changes and updates have been made to the licensing requirements, the procedures for licenses renewals, and restrictions upon acquisitions of dogs, cats, and other animals.   Although there have been several minor changes, with little affect to the regulation, there have been some more significant changes as well.   The new regulation seems to tighten restrictions, and provides specific guidelines for license applicants.  

Summary: The update to the Definition of Animal, in Section 1.1 of the Regulation, is simply made to make the definition of animal in the regulations more similar to that in the AWA.   The main change relates to mice, rats, and birds.   The definition in the Regulation has excluded mice and rats used for research, and all birds.   With this amendment, only birds that are bred or used for the purpose of research will be excluded.  

Summary: NMFS establishes a species of concern list, places 45 species on this list, describes the factors it will consider when identifying species of concern, and revises the candidate species list. NMFS also solicits information and comments concerning the status of, research and stewardship opportunities for, and the factors for identifying species of concern.

Summary: There has been a regulation update where a decision has been made to regulate the transportation of animals in commerce to all foreign air carriers, to or from any point within the United States.  If an animal is protected by the AWA, it will continue to be protected when being transported within or from the United States.  This update essentially increases the level of protection that animals protected under the AWA will receive.