World Animal Day

World Animal Day is celebrated as part of a global effort to raise awareness and improve the welfare standards of animals. In observance of World Animal Day, celebrated annually on October 4, examine animal welfare legislation and regulations on govinfo.

Animal Welfare Act

Enacted August 24, 1966, Public Law 89-544 (80 Stat. 350) is what commonly is referred to as The Animal Welfare Act although that title is not mentioned within the law. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to regulate transport, sale, and handling of dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits intended to be used in research or "for other purposes." It requires licensing and inspection of dog and cat dealers and humane handling at auction sales. (Source: USDA )

80 Stat. 350, Approved August 24, 1966
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7 U.S.C. 2131 - Title 7 - Agriculture, Chapter 54 - Transportation, Sale, and Handling OF Certain Animals
The complete amended act can be found in United States Code, Title 7, Sections 2131-2156
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Select Amendments to the Animal Welfare Act

99 Stat. 1354 (Public Law 99-198), Approved December 23, 1985 - Food Security Act of 1985, Subtitle F - Animal Welfare
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104 Stat. 3359 (Public Law 101-624), Approved November 28, 1990 - Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Section 2503 - Protection of Pets
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121 Stat. 88 (Public Law 110-22), Approved May 3, 2007 - Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007
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Animal Welfare Regulations

9 CFR A - Title 9 - Animals and Animal Products, Chapter I - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture, Subchapter A - Animal Welfare
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The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has published the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations, known as the “Blue Book,” which consolidates into one source the Animal Welfare Act and the applicable regulations and standards. The Blue Book is available online from the USDA (PDF) and for purchase in print from GPO's Online Bookstore. Read more about the Blue Book on GPO's Government BookTalk Blog.