Animal Welfare

Overview
Definition
Questions
Resources

In the United States, concern about the care of animals has long been reflected in public policy and legislation as demonstrated by the following Acts.

Twenty-Eight Hour - In 1873, Congress passed the Twenty-Eight Hour law which requires animals be unloaded from transport vehicles and given access to food , water and rest at least once every 28 hours.
Humane Methods of Slaughter Act - The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, passed originally in 1958 and enforced by the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), governs the treatment and handling of all food animals slaughtered in USDA inspected slaughter plants (excluding poultry and rabbits).
Animal Welfare Act - In 1966, the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act (AWA) was signed into law to regulate the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) enforces this law.
Horse Protection Act - The Horse Protection Act prohibits sored horses from showing, sale, auction, exhibition, or transport. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) enforces the Act.

Individuals who engage in acts of animal cruelty can be charged and prosecuted at the state level. State animal cruelty laws vary widely and penalties can range from fines or jail time to removing animals from an individual’s care.

Animal welfare is a complex topic focusing on issues related to animal pain and suffering, the physical and emotional health of the animals, and the ability of animals to engage in normal, species-typical behaviors.

I want to travel with my dog to a foreign country. What do I need to know?

To quickly obtain the most complete information for your specific point of departure and your destination, please contact the area service center of USDA's Veterinary Services (VS) program in your state of departure.

Also see: Travel with a Pet and Transporting Live Animals
Whom do I contact about inhumane treatment of farm animals?

While USDA considers the humane treatment of animals to be important, the USDA’s regulatory authority does not extend to animals used for food, fiber, or other agricultural purposes. However, most livestock production industries in the United States have developed and implemented science-based animal care guidelines. Assurances that animals are being raised according to these guidelines are provided through voluntary third-party audits rather than legislation.

Typically, State and local laws govern the treatment of farm animals. Accordingly, you may wish to contact the appropriate State and local authorities. Local and national humane organizations can also provide information on humane treatment of farm animals.
How do I find out if a dog breeder is licensed with the USDA?

The AWA requires wholesale breeders and dealers who supply animals to pet stores, brokers, or research facilities to be licensed with USDA. Breeders and dealers are required to meet the minimum standards of humane animal care and treatment established by the AWA and enforced by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

To find USDA-licensed dog breeders, search the Animal Care Information Systems (ACIS) Search Tool for Animal Welfare Act (AWA). On the Search Tool page select “breeder” as the "customer type,” and then select your state from the pulldown menu under "business address."
I am concerned about the conditions of animals and enclosures at a particular zoo. Whom do I contact about this?

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducts licensing and inspections of zoos to ensure compliance with the minimum standards of care required by the Animal Welfare Act. If you have concerns about zoos or zoo animals, contact the APHIS regional office responsible for the geographic area where the zoo is located.

Alternatively, you can use the online Animal Welfare Complaint form.

Legal

Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. §§ 2131-2159

U.S. Government Publishing Office. Federal Digital System.

Animal Welfare Regulations, 9 C.F.R. §§ 1-12

U.S. Government Publishing Office. Federal Digital System.

USDA

Animal Care

USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Animal Care & Food Safety

USDA. Economic Research Service.

Animal Welfare Audits and Certification Programs

USDA. NAL. Animal Welfare Information Center.

Government and Professional Resources: Animal Welfare

USDA. NAL. Animal Welfare Information Center.

Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter

USDA. Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Agricultural Law Information Partnership

Animal Welfare

National Agricultural Law Center.

States’ Animal Cruelty Statutes

National Agricultural Law Center.

States’ Farm Animal Confinement Statutes

National Agricultural Law Center.

Other

Animal Legal and Historical Center

Michigan State University. College of Law.

Animal Protection Laws of the United States of America and Canada

Animal Legal Defense Fund.

Legislation & Compassion Index

Animal Welfare Institute.

What’s the Law

Born Free Foundation.

Search form

Disclaimer

Animal Welfare

I want to travel with my dog to a foreign country. What do I need to know?

Whom do I contact about inhumane treatment of farm animals?

How do I find out if a dog breeder is licensed with the USDA?

I am concerned about the conditions of animals and enclosures at a particular zoo. Whom do I contact about this?

Legal

USDA

Agricultural Law Information Partnership

Other