
Animal Legal Defense Fund Proposes Clarifications to Strengthen Federal Animal Welfare Act
Submitted a petition for rulemaking
The Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted a petition for rulemaking to the USDA proposing two amendments to the federal Animal Welfare Act.
Status
Next Step
Case Closed
In 2016, the Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted a petition for rulemaking to the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposing two amendments to the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), the primary law providing protections to captive wildlife.
The first proposed amendment would have tightened requirements for species-specific training for attending veterinarians at exhibition facilities. While the current rule does state that vets need to have received some training, exhibitors have continued to use vets with, for example, sole experience treating cats and dogs, to diagnose and treat primates, exotics, and endangered species.
We proposed requiring at least six months of full-time training or experience with the species being attended. This would ensure animals receive the care they need from qualified veterinarians.
The second proposed rule would have provided a procedure for the USDA to confiscate animals from substandard facilities as part of the process of revoking an AWA license — which animal exhibitors, breeders, and dealers for protected animals must have.
Currently, the USDA has authority to confiscate individual animals who are suffering, but the regulations do not integrate removal of all animals suffering in a substandard facility with enforcement action or license revocation proceedings. The lack of such a procedure leaves many animals suffering for far longer than they should.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund continues to advocate for animals held captive at roadside zoos, pushing for stronger laws and better enforcement of those laws.
Actions
-
Say No to Roadside Zoos
Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. Animals live in cruel conditions, confined to small cages without the enrichment they need to lead full, happy lives. Protect animals by boycotting roadside zoos.
Recent News
-
Big Cat Public Safety Act Passes the U.S. Senate in Victory for Animals
The bill helps end the rampant abuse of tigers and other big cats in captivity by banning private possessionDecember 6, 2022 Press Release -
USDA to Strengthen Tracking of Animal Deaths at Licensed Facilities Following Legal Petition
Animal Legal Defense Fund petition for rulemaking spurs reporting improvements: Forms will be revised to ensure AWA licensees maintain complete records of all animal deaths.December 6, 2022 Press Release -
After Images of Employee’s Injury from Animal Attack Surface – OSHA Complaint Filed Against Texas Wild Animal Dealer and Roadside Zoo Owner
Graphic images of wound are posted on Tik-Tok by an employee of Gator Park — a facility owned and operated by Jason Clay.April 7, 2022 Press Release
Related Cases
-
Urging the USDA to Stop Rubber-Stamping Animal Welfare Act Licenses
Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted comments
-
Urging USDA to Protect the Psychological Well-being of Primates
Submitted comments to the USDA
-
Ending Research on Captive Chimpanzees
Filed Comments in Opposition to Captive Chimpanzee testing
Looking for case and legal resources? View Resources
See MoreYou Can Protect Animals
Since 1979, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has led the charge to win animals the legal protection they so desperately need—and deserve. Your generous gift will assure that we can continue to take on cases that advance the interests of animals.