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USDA Extends Animal Welfare Act to Include Birds

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Nicholas Vincent is a passionate environmentalist and freelance writer. He is deeply committed to promoting... Read More

Birds are finally getting their due! The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has created welfare standards for specific birds under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

Previously, birds were excluded from these protections, but now breeders, dealers, exhibitors, and transporters of birds will need to ensure the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of our feathered friends.

This milestone decision dates back to 2002 when Congress amended the AWA’s definition of “animal” to include all birds, except those bred for research. Fast forward to 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ordered the USDA to establish regulatory standards for birds by February 2022 and finalize the rule within a year of the proposal’s publication.

The USDA received over 19,000 comments on the proposed rule, and these valuable insights helped shape the final rule, ensuring fair and clear regulations that promote bird welfare across all species. The USDA also consulted with experts in ornithology and avian medicine to ensure a comprehensive understanding of avian welfare.

Under the new regulations, the USDA aims to ensure that each bird under the AWA’s protection is raised and maintained in conditions that guarantee good health, and well-being, and meet the birds’ physical and behavioral needs. Some key revisions in response to comments include excluding falconry from the definition of “animal” and revising the definition of “bred for use in research” for added clarity.

Moreover, the USDA has established minimum threshold exemptions for annual sales of 200 or fewer pet birds, each weighing 250 grams or less, and annual sales of eight or fewer birds, each weighing over 250 grams. There is also a threshold exemption for exhibiting four or fewer raptors.

This significant development in bird welfare is a big win for our winged companions. Let’s celebrate this progress and continue to advocate for the humane treatment of all creatures, great and small. Let’s make a difference together for the well-being of all animals!