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USDA/APHIS RIN: 0579-AC75 Publication ID: Fall 2009 
Title: Animal Welfare; Rats and Mice 
Abstract: This document gives notice that we intend to strengthen our enforcement of the regulations established under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) as they pertain to rats and mice. While we have regulated the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of the majority of rats and mice covered by the AWA, we have not consistently enforced the AWA regulations and standards for domestic rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus not bred for use in research, even though such rats and mice are covered by the AWA as a result of different allocations of APHISÂ’ limited resources. This action would ensure that all covered rats and mice are afforded the protection of the AWA. This document follows an advance notice of proposed rulemaking that solicited comments from the public on whether we should establish specific standards for rats and mice covered by the AWA or if the existing, general standards in the regulations are sufficient to ensure their humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation. In this document, we are notifying the public that we have determined that it is not necessary to establish specific standards for covered rats and mice. The existing AWA standards provide such animals with adequate protection to ensure their welfare. 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 3   
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Policy Statement  12/00/2009    
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Gerald Rushin
Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care
Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
4700 River Road, Unit 84,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone:301 851-3740