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CARE Act for Cold-Blooded Animals Introduced - National Humane Education Society

October 2024

Efforts to protect cold-blooded animals are being made by Congresswoman Betty McCollum with the introduction of House Resolution 9571 (H.R. 9571).

An amendment, known as the Cold-blooded Animal Research and Exhibition Act (CARE Act), to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) has been introduced seeking to protect cold-blooded animals from being neglected or abused. This amendment is another vital step in the right direction to protect the sentience of all creatures. Many animal welfare advocates have raised concern since the passage of the AWA in 1966 due to its lax protection and enforceability. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service is given the task of inspecting and enforcing the AWA. According to the USDA’s APHIS website, “We have more than 8,000 employees stationed in 50 States, 4 Territories, and 35 countries.” At a glance, that number may seem adequate until you compare it to the 140,018 individuals and facilities that currently hold active licenses.

Currently, the AWA protects the following dead or live warm-blooded animals: dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, zoo animals, captive marine mammals, and birds not used for research. The amendment to include birds was passed in July 2022. Animals bred for food or fiber and cold-blooded animals are not protected under the AWA. Additionally, horses are not used for research and birds, mice, and rats used for research are excluded from protection.

Change happens, at times, in the wake of tragedy, and the CARE Act introduced by Congresswoman Betty McCullen (M-04) was an answer to stop cold-blooded animals from suffering while on display for human entertainment. According to Congresswomen McCollum, “My office has received complaints from dozens of Minnesotans reporting unsafe environments at such interactive facilities, including one in Roseville, but most of the species that are being exploited there are not currently protected under the AWA.

Take Action: Please contact your legislator and vote “yes” for the CARE Act to include cold-blooded animals under the AWA.

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