
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.
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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
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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
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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 -
Lawsuit Filed Against Tiger Creek for Violating Endangered Species Act
The lawsuit alleges federally endangered and threatened animals such as the tigers, lions, and ring-tailed lemurs are receiving inadequate care at Tiger CreekMarch 16, 2022 Press Release -
Lawsuit Filed Against Pennsylvania Roadside Zoo Results in Rescue of Eight Animals
Thanks to Animal Legal Defense Fund supporters, a tiger named Nila, two lions — Buddy and Missa, two ring-tailed lemurs, a Mikado pheasant, a military macaw, and a blue-and-gold macaw will at last have access to species-appropriate habitats and enrichment.February 2, 2022 News
Related Cases
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Urging the USDA to Stop Rubber-Stamping Animal Welfare Act Licenses
Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted comments
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Urging USDA to Protect the Psychological Well-being of Primates
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Ending Research on Captive Chimpanzees
Filed Comments in Opposition to Captive Chimpanzee testing
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