Temperature Requirements for Pets - USDA to make Rules?
USDA proposes to amend regulations covering temperature requirements for live animals in transport
USDA Press Release, January 7, 2008
The U.S. Department of Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service seeks comments on a proposal to amend the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations for transportation of live animals excluding marine mammals. The goal of the proposed rule is to remove the current ambient temperature requirements for various stages in the transportation of regulated animals. If accepted, this proposed rule would replace those requirements with a single performance standard under which the animals would be transported under climatic and environment conditions that are appropriate for their welfare making acclimation certificates for live animals other than marine mammals unnecessary.
This proposal also would require transport compartments on aircraft to be opened during prolonged layovers, as well as the use of ground equipment to maintain appropriate conditions in the cargo hold during the layover. Finally, the proposed rule, if finalized, would eliminate the requirement for acclimation certificates for animals other than marine mammals.
This proposal replaces a June 1999 proposed rule, which was withdrawn. This proposal does not address marine mammals due to their unique requirements for care and handling.
Consideration will be given to comments received on or before March 4. Send an original and two copies of postal mail or commercial delivery comments to Docket No. 99-014-2, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. If you wish to submit a comment using the Internet go to the Federal eRulemaking portal at ; then click on ғAdd Comments. This will also allow you to view public comments and related materials available electronically.
[EditorԒs notes: this proposal pertains ONLY to animals covered under the USDA US Animal Welfare Act. AnimalӔ within the Animal Welfare Act is defined as: Animal means any live or dead dog, cat, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or any other warmblooded animal, which is being used, or is intended for use for research, teaching, testing, experimentation, or exhibition purposes, or as a pet. This term excludes: Birds, rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus bred for use in research, and horses not used for research purposes and other farm animals, such as, but not limited to livestock or poultry, used or intended for use as food or fiber, or livestock or poultry used or intended for use for improving animal nutrition, breeding, management, or production efficiency, or for improving the quality of food or fiber. With respect to a dog, the term means all dogs, including those used for hunting, security, or breeding purposes.Ӕ]