Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Regulatory Information Animal People Should Know

Whether you are an animal industry professional or share your life with companion animals it is important to be aware of the laws and policies that apply to the animals we steward. The following links will help you learn more about US federal government policies in regard to animal welfare.  These documents below are provided by The US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service  (USDA APHIS).

US Fish and Wildlife (FWS) regulates native species. People are not allowed to "own" native species. You are given permission by the government to acquire or steward them for various reasons such as education, display, falconry or research. Many birds in the US are protected by the Migratory Bird Act. Any birds on this list require a permit from the federal government to be in your care.

Keep in mind there may be other state and city regulations, policies, ordinances and laws that apply to animals in your area. It is a good idea to check on the local level and state level as well as the federal level to make sure you are in compliance.

Here is a list of some of the most often requested regulatory and guidance documents from USDA APHIS:

Law: The Animal Welfare Act

Regulations: 9 Code of Federal Regulations Animal Welfare

Policy Manual: Animal Care Policy Manual

Dealer Inspection Guide

Exhibitor Inspection Guide

Research Facility Inspection Guide

Inspection Requirements Handbook and Attachments

Information and Fact Sheets:

Fact sheet on the Animal Welfare Act

Licensing and Registration Under the Animal Welfare Act

Types of Animal Welfare Act Licensees and Registrants

Glossary of Animal Welfare Act terms

Regulation of Commercial Animal Dealers

Regulation of Exhibitors

Regulation of Research Facilities

Information on the AWA inspection process

Fact sheet on Compliance Inspections

Information on the AWA enforcement process

Animal Care Inspection Information Search Tool: searchable database of inspection reports

It is a lot too read, but I hope you find these links useful.

Barbara Heidenreich
http://www.goodbirdinc.com/
Copyright Good Bird Inc 2012

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

What bird is that perched on your arm? Cant seem to figure it out :/

Anonymous said...

Thanks, its no wonder I had no idea

Kathy Heaton said...

That's an invaluable compilation. Thank you!

Unknown said...

Under the USFWS we should add the Endangered Species List and the Injurious Species List. These two lists can/may affect the bird/animal you are keeping/buying/selling, even if it is not on the migratory bird list.