Animal Welfare Act (United States)

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is a U.S. law that sets minimum standards for the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Enacted in 1966, it aims to ensure humane care and handling of animals, including standards for housing, veterinary care, and feeding. The AWA covers a variety of animals, but its protections primarily focus on warm-blooded species, excluding many farm animals. The law is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which conducts inspections and issues regulations to improve animal welfare in different settings.