Contact:
\nDavid Sacks\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (301) 734-5271
\nAndrea McNally\u00a0 (301) 734-0602<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2009–The U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced that it is proposing to amend the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations to require the submission of itineraries by exhibitors.<\/p>\n This proposal would ensure that APHIS\u2019 animal care inspectors have access to exhibitors\u2019 facilities, animals and records to conduct unannounced inspections, regardless of where they may be exhibiting in the United States.\u00a0 This proposal will help APHIS ensure compliance with the requirements of the AWA.<\/p>\n In 2009, there were at least 202 traveling exhibitors of regulated animals in the United States.\u00a0 These facilities include circuses, mobile petting zoos and other animal acts.\u00a0 Although APHIS animal care (AC) has a policy in place requiring itineraries from traveling exhibitors, some exhibitors do not routinely travel with their animals and some regulated entities do not submit them in a timely manner.<\/p>\n Without an accurate itinerary for each facility, AC must expend limited resources locating exhibitors in order to perform unannounced regular and follow-up inspections.\u00a0 Obtaining updated itineraries in a timely fashion will allow AC to have more constant communication with licensees making it easier to conduct inspections, contact exhibitors regarding animal health issues and to investigate complaints.<\/p>\n Under the proposal, exhibitors would be required to submit the dates that they will be traveling–including stops and layovers (with addresses).\u00a0 As part of this proposal, AC would also require exhibitors to submit identifying information for each animal that will be exhibited outside their designated primary facility, including its description and species information and the names of the animal\u2019s owner, exhibitor, lessor\/lessee and transporter.<\/p>\n The AWA authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards and other requirements governing the humane handling, housing, care, treatment and transportation of certain animals by dealers, exhibitors and other regulated entities.\u00a0 The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated the responsibility for enforcing the AWA to the animal care division of APHIS.\u00a0 Animal care works to ensure compliance with AWA regulations by conducting inspections of facilities with regulated animals.<\/p>\n
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