Animal Welfare; Farm Animals Used for Nonagricultural Purposes. Notices

Regulations promulgated under the Animal Welfare Act contain standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of certain animals by dealers, exhibitors, researchers, and other regulated entities. We believe that additional guidance is needed to assist regulated entities in meeting the standards in the regulations as they apply to the handling, care, treatment, and transportation of farm animals used for nonagricultural purposes (primarily research and exhibition). We are considering adopting two existing guides: the ``Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching,'' published by the Federation of American Societies of Food and Animal Science, and the ``Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,'' published by the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources. The recommendations in these guides represent the most current thinking on appropriate practices for the handling, care, treatment, and transportation of farm animals for nonagricultural purposes. We are requesting public comment on whether or not to adopt these two guides.