USDA Seeks Comment on Plan to Strengthen Regulations for Handling Wild and Exotic Animals for Exhibition; Environmental Enrichment Requirements

Excerpt:  “The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is requesting public comments on standards for handling captive wild and exotic animals, as well as strengthening environmental enrichment for all regulated species. The goal of this request, known as an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR), is to inform future proposed changes to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations and standards. APHIS is asking for comments in three areas: 1) public handling of wild and exotic animals at licensed exhibitors; 2) training of personnel who handle wild and exotic animals at licensed facilities; and 3) changes to all regulated animals’ environments to promote their psychological well-being.”