What are the laws governing animal welfare in agriculture?

In West Virginia, animal welfare in agriculture is regulated by both state and federal laws. The West Virginia Livestock Care Standards Board is responsible for setting standards for the humane care and treatment of farmed animals. This board is composed of experts in agriculture, animal health, animal welfare, and consumer protection and publishes rules and regulations that govern how animals must be cared for in West Virginia. The federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) sets minimum standards of care for animals used in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. The AWA covers warm-blooded animals including birds, rabbits, mice, farm animals, and non-human primates. This Act outlines requirements for housing and sanitation, animal health, humane handling, and transportation. It also requires all people responsible for the care of animals covered by the AWA to have training in humane animal handling. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is also responsible for enforcing the state’s animal welfare laws. The Department works with the Livestock Care Standards Board to ensure all animals in the state are treated humanely and that their basic needs, such as food, water, and shelter, are provided. The Department also offers guidance on responsible husbandry practices, and provides animal owners with resources to help them meet standards of care. To ensure the welfare of animals in agriculture, West Virginia has stringent state and federal laws in place. It is the responsibility of all animal owners to ensure they understand these laws and are in compliance with them to ensure the humane treatment of all animals.

What are the laws governing animal welfare in agriculture?

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