The U.S. Congress passed the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) in 1966 to set standards for the care and treatment of certain types of animals. The law was amended significantly in 1970, 1976, 1985, and 1990, including a number of amendments that significantly increased the regulation of animals involved in research. Provisions of the Act, its standards and regulations, are administered by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

AWA - USDA Summary
AWA (7 U.S.C. §§ 2131 - 59)
AWA - Legislative History

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

(current congressional session)
Bills Introduced
New Laws Enacted
Private Right of Action &
Standing under AWA

STATE ACTIVITIES

Animal Cruelty
Ownership v. Guardianship
Personhood for Animals
Pet Custody Disputes
Pet Trusts

Tort Law
Overview
Non-Economic Damages
Emotional Distress
Loss of Companionship
Primary Interests of a Chimp
Veterinarian Malpractice

Ballot Initiatives
Summary

EDUCATION

Dissection

Law Schools
Animal Law Courses
Student Groups

BAR ASSOCIATIONS

American Bar Association
State Bar Associations
Local/Regional Bar Associations

RESOURCES

News Articles
Law Review Articles
International Trends
Events
Quotes
Bibliography
Advocacy Links