[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 57 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 11778]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-6982]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

9 CFR Parts 1, 2, and 3

[Docket No. 95-099-2]


Dogs and Cats in Commercial Pet Trade; Public Meeting

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service is hosting a public meeting to gather information on 
the current Animal Welfare Act regulations and standards that apply to 
the care of dogs and cats in the commercial pet trade. In line with our 
commitment to ensure appropriate care for animals regulated under the 
Animal Welfare Act, we are reviewing these regulations and standards 
and are seeking recommendations and opinions from the affected 
industries and concerned public to determine whether revisions are 
necessary.

DATES: The public meeting will be held on two consecutive half days--
from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on the first day and from 8 a.m. until noon on 
the second day. The meeting will be held in Washington, DC, on April 10 
and 11, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture South Building, South Cafeteria, First Floor, Wing 3, 14th 
Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC. If travelling by 
Metro to the USDA South Building, take the Blue Line (towards Stadium-
Armory/Addison Road) or the Orange Line (towards Stadium-Armory/New 
Carrollton). Exit the train at the Smithsonian station and follow signs 
to Independence Avenue. Enter Wing 1 of the USDA South Building 
(entrance is at the corner of 12th Street and Independence Avenue) 
immediately after exiting the station. You will be required to show 
identification at the Guard Desk. Proceed to the South Cafeteria in 
Wing 3 on the first floor; registration will take place at the back of 
the Cafeteria.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Stephen Smith, Animal Health 
Technician, Animal Care Staff, REAC, APHIS, USDA, 4700 River Road Unit 
84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234, (301) 734-4972.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) (7 U.S.C. 
2131 et seq.), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 
is responsible for regulating the care provided to certain animals, 
including dogs and cats in the commercial pet trade. APHIS believes the 
AWA regulations and standards pertaining to such dogs and cats may need 
to be updated. APHIS officials are reviewing the pertinent AWA 
regulations and standards.
    In conducting this review, the agency is seeking recommendations 
and opinions regarding the housing, care, handling, and transportation 
of dogs and cats in the commercial pet trade. APHIS officials decided 
to hold three meetings to gather input from the public, animal 
protection organizations, and members of affected industries, such as 
dealers, research facilities, and commercial animal transporters. The 
first two meetings were held in Kansas City, MO, on February 21 and 22, 
1996, and in St. Louis, MO, on February 23 and 24, 1996. We have chosen 
to hold the third meeting in Washington, DC.
    The meeting will include four workshops facilitated by trained 
APHIS facilitators: (1) Space requirements for primary enclosures, 
including room for exercise; (2) sanitation, materials, flooring, and 
construction of primary enclosures; (3) veterinary care and breeding 
frequency; and (4) transportation by land and by air. In these 
workshops, group participation will be used to develop recommendations 
within specific topic areas. After the workshops have concluded, each 
workshop group will report its recommendations to the entire meeting.
    APHIS will consider these recommendations in developing any 
revisions to the current AWA regulations and standards. The Agency will 
initiate rulemaking for any changes deemed appropriate.
    Participants will register to participate in one workshop for the 
entire meeting. Registration for workshop sessions will be held from 11 
a.m.-1 p.m. on April 10 at the back of the South Cafeteria, with the 
general session beginning at 1 p.m. Attendance may be limited for some 
workshops because of space availability. Any persons who are unable to 
attend the meeting, but who wish to comment on any topics covered by 
the four workshops, may send written comments to the person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 19th day of March 1996.
Lonnie J. King,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 96-6982 Filed 3-21-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P