Birds in Pet Trade and Exhibits Gain Animal Welfare Act Protections

After 20-plus years and multiple lawsuits, the protections afforded by the Animal Welfare Act will apply to birds in the pet trade and in exhibitions. The final rule is long and complicated, but our initial review reveals both good and bad news. The good: Certain breeders and exhibitors will have to be licensed and inspected and must meet care standards that include, most notably, providing psychological enrichment for their birds. The bad: Standards are not as rigorous as the animal protection community had urged them to be (e.g., no provisions for flight are required) and coverage is not as complete as it should be.

By exempting breeders who annually sell 200 or fewer small pet birds (of species with an average adult body weight < 250 grams) or 8 or fewer larger pet birds (of species with an average adult body weight > 250 grams), it leaves thousands of birds unprotected.

Program Terms: Companion Animals, Terrestrial Wildlife

AWI Quarterly Terms: Government/Legal, Quick Read