APHIS Extends Comment Period on Proposal to Establish Animal Welfare Standards for Birds Not Bred for Research

On February 22, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal, Plant, and Health Inspection Service published a proposed rule to establish animal welfare standards for birds not bred for use in research. APHIS is extending the public comment period for the proposed rule by an additional 30 days to May 25, 2022. The proposed rule would create new requirements for licensing, recordkeeping, and structural and operational updates to facilities.  The Service prepared an initial Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis for the proposed rule that outlines various potential costs to small businesses. The Service states that it is uncertain how many small businesses would incur costs as a result of the rule, as it does not know how many unlicensed entities there are. Small businesses are encouraged to comment on the Service’s analysis as well as the requirements of the rulemaking.

Written comments are now due by May 25, 2022.

• Read the Federal Register notice announcing the extension.
• Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
• Advocacy contact: Send an email to Prianka Sharma at prianka.sharma@sba.gov or call (202) 205-6938.