The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is giving stakeholders an additional 30 days to submit comments for an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) on standards for handling captive wild and exotic animals, as well as strengthening environmental enrichment for all regulated species. 

On January 6, 2023, APHIS announced the ANPR and asked for feedback to inform future proposed changes to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations and standards for exhibited wild and exotic animals. 

APHIS is asking for comments in three areas:

• public handling of wild and exotic animals at licensed exhibitors,
• training of personnel who handle wild and exotic animals at licensed facilities, and
• changes to all regulated animals’ environments to promote their psychological well-being.  

All comments must be received by April 10, 2023. The ANPR is available to view and comment at https://www.regulations.gov/document/APHIS-2022-0022-0001. APHIS will carefully review and consider all comments before developing a proposed rule. 

The AWA sets basic standards for humane care and treatment for certain animals that are used in exhibition or research. More information about the AWA is available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalwelfare/awa/ct_awa_program_information.

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