The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the research industry both want to ensure that stolen and lost animals, especially pets, are not used in research. One way this is accomplished is through tracebacks conducted by USDA inspectors. In order for USDA to follow these paper trails, research facilities must continue to do their part in maintaining certification records in accordance with Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations.
AWA regulations (Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 2, Section 2.133) require dealers selling random source dogs or cats to get certification from the original source acknowledging that the animal they acquired could be used for research or educational purposes. The dealer must provide this certification to the research facility, under § 2.133 paragraph (b)(4). Research and educational facilities must keep certifications on file while these random-source animals are at their facility and for three years after, under paragraph (f). If an animal is transferred to another facility, a copy of the certification must accompany the animal, under paragraph (g).
The full regulations are available at the USDA Animal Care web site at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ac/publications.html under the heading “AWA, Regulations, and Standards.” Questions may be addressed to your regional Animal Care office or e-mail to ace@usda.gov.
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Contents, Animal Welfare Information Center Bulletin
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The Animal Welfare Information Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
National Agricultural Library
10301 Baltimore Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
Phone: (301) 504-6212
FAX: (301) 504-7125
Contact us: http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/contact.php
