Animal Welfare Act

Abstract

Initially the major emphasis of this legislation was to protect owners of cats and dogs from the theft of their animals, many of which were found to be sold for experimental purposes. The 1970 amendments broadened the coverage to include all species of animals, not just cats and dogs, and to include animals which are pets or are used for exhibition purposes. These amendments, as did the amendments of 1976, gave added emphasis to the recognition of the sale, purchase, transportation, housing, care, handling and treatment of animals used for research purposes, or as pets or for exhibitions, as a significantly large interstate commercial operation. There was a need to insure humane care and treatment of these animals.