While the Animal Welfare Act (and its amendments over the years) explains the intent of Congress, the Animal Care Policy (ACP) Manual defines the details of how the AWA will be administered. The Manual gives guidance to USDA field inspectors and others who will be subject to the provisions of the Act. Essentially, the Manual interprets the law.

Input from the public about the Manual is requested at various times. In 2007, the USDA requested comments be submitted by November 2007. Below are comments and links from a few organizations.

Details are critical

Look closely at the specific wording within the Animal Care Policy Manual (see link). The Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS, see link) reviewed the Manual and submitted comments to specific policies. Examples:

• Involvement of licensed veterinarian
Within the ACP Manual, it is stated that USDA-APHIS grants approval for such procedures as microchip implantation, euthanasia, spays and neuters, and cesarean section operations, but it doesn’t specifically state that a licensed veterinarian must perform these procedures. By not stating this as a rule, inhumane breeders often perform procedures on their own, creating pain and suffering to animals.

• Compliance inspections
Within the ACP Manual, it also states that a new applicant can fail to pass three compliance inspections within 90 days of the first inspection. In other words, animals are subjected to substandard conditions over three months as violations pile up. CAPS recommends more stringent standards — one failed compliance, not three.

While the USDA-APHIS will receive all comments, there is no guarantee they will accept and revise the Manual to reflect all comments.

Supporting Links

• USDA-APHIS Animal Care Policy (ACP) Manual
• American Physiological Society: Comments to APHIS Animal Care Policy Manual
• Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology: Comments to APHIS Animal Care Policy Manual
• CAPS: Comments on Animal Care Policy Manual