Does Federal Law Prevent Animal Abuse or Testing?
The AWA’s key provisions place handling requirements on research facilities and require animal dealers and exhibitors to obtain licenses. 7 U.S.C. §§ 2134, 2136-2144. The Act also mandates the humane treatment of animals transported in interstate commerce. 7 U.S.C. § 2143. Further, it requires sellers to hold animals for five days before selling them, a provision designed to allow rightful owners of stolen pets to find their animals before they are sent to new homes. 7 U.S.C. § 2158. Finally, “animal fighting ventures” (e.g., dog fighting) are strictly prohibited. 7 U.S.C. § 2156. With regard to animal testing, the AWA empowers the Secretary of Agriculture to establish regulations governing the ethical treatment of laboratory animals. These minimum requirements are largely found within the Code of Federal Regulations. For example, Title 9 of the Code, Section 2.33 requires qualified veterinary staff at research facilities to: • Provide appropriate facilities, personnel, equipment, and
