Animal Welfare Act

The Animal Welfare Act, passed in 1970, is a federal law in the United States providing basic provisions for the handling, treatment, and transportation of some animals in certain situations: laboratory animals, zoos, circuses, puppy mills, animal transporters, and animal exhibitors. It does not include cold-blooded animals, animals bred for human consumption, or horses.

In 2002, Senator Jesse Helms introduced an amendment to the Farm Bill, excluding consideration of birds and mice from the Animal Welfare Act.

For the federal agency charged with enforcing this law, as well as many other animal rights regulations, see Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.