Exhibition Animals
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The Animal Welfare Act was signed into law in 1966. While its original intent was to regulate the care and use of animals in the laboratory, it has become the only Federal law in the United States that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers.
American Humane Association
Codified in the Producer-Screen Actors Guild Agreement Since 1980 The American Humane Association works with producers to facilitate safe, effective and efficient performances by animal actors.
USDA. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
An overview of USDA of animal exhibitors.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Office of Law Enforcement.
This law (effective September 17, 2007) makes it illegal to move certain types of big cats across State lines for U.S. borders unless qualified as exempt.
USDA. APHIS. Animal Care.
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) requires people who exhibit animals to the public for compensation to be licensed with the USDA. The AWA also excludes certain activities from this requirement, including the exhibition of agricultural animals for the purposes of promoting agricultural arts, sciences, and production. This means that agricultural exhibits at State and county fairs are exempt. However, some exhibition activities found at State and county fairs do require the exhibitors to be licensed under the AWA.
USDA. APHIS. Animal Care.
Commonly asked quesions about big cats (lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cougars, cheetahs, and any hybrids).
USDA. APHIS. Animal Care.
This 2006 factsheet provides notice that under the Animal Welfare Act, declawing or removal of canine teeth are no longer allowed.
USDA. APHIS. Animal Care.
The reference manual used by Animal Care inspectors to ensure a uniform inspection process of licensed animal exhibitors.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Information on the standards required of accredited zoological institutions. AZA provides additional information about the accreditation process on their web site.