Federal Notice on Bird Welfare Act Reporting Opens for Public Comment
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a significant notice in the Federal Register. The agency announced its intention to request a revision and extension of an information collection crucial to enforcing the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) as it pertains to birds not specifically bred for use in research. This action, identified under Docket No. APHIS-2026-1354, invites public scrutiny and comment on the ongoing data collection requirements that impact a broad spectrum of entities involved in the care, handling, and transportation of these animals.
The Animal Welfare Act and APHIS's Mandate
The Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) serves as the primary federal law governing the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Under this Act, APHIS is authorized to ensure the humane treatment of covered animals, setting standards for their handling, care, treatment, and transportation. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated the administration of the AWA to APHIS's Animal Care program.
The regulatory framework for the AWA is detailed in 9 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 1, 2, and 3. Part 1 establishes essential definitions. Part 2 outlines administrative requirements, including licensing for dealers, exhibitors, and auction operators, along with institutional responsibilities. Part 3, critically, provides the specific standards for humane care. Within Part 3, Subpart G is dedicated to standards for birds not bred for use in research, the specific focus of this Federal Register notice. These regulations are designed to safeguard the welfare of a diverse population of birds, ranging from those in pet stores and zoos to those transported across state lines.
Scope of Information Collection
Enforcement of the AWA relies heavily on a comprehensive array of information collection activities. These include, but are not limited to, license applications and renewals for regulated entities, registration applications and updates, and submission of annual reports. APHIS also collects data through inspections, requests for variances, notifications regarding animal welfare issues, and agreements with regulated parties. Key components of this collection also involve plans for veterinary care, health records, itineraries for animal transport, applications and permits for various activities, and detailed records of animal acquisition, disposition, or transport. Official identification methods, protocols, health certificates, and responses to complaints also form part of the required information. The overarching goal of these collections is to provide APHIS with the necessary data to monitor compliance with humane care standards and to identify and address potential welfare concerns effectively.
Proposed Revision and Extension
APHIS is now seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the use of these information collection activities for an additional three years. This extension is a standard procedure under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which requires federal agencies to obtain OMB approval for information collections. Notably, APHIS has made a deliberate effort to amend this information collection by decreasing the number of estimated respondents, responses, and consequently, the total burden hours. This adjustment suggests a refinement in the agency's approach to data collection, possibly through increased efficiency or a more precise identification of regulated entities.
Opportunity for Public Input
The publication of this notice is a formal request for public comment on the proposed revision and extension. APHIS specifically seeks input on four key areas:
- Evaluating whether the collection of information is truly necessary for the agency's functions and possesses practical utility.
- Assessing the accuracy of APHIS's estimate of the information collection burden, including the validity of the methodologies and assumptions used.
- Identifying ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected.
- Exploring methods to minimize the burden on respondents, potentially through the adoption of automated, electronic, or other modern collection technologies.
Interested parties have until October 19, 2026, to submit their comments. Submissions can be made electronically through regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. APHIS-2026-1354, or via postal mail. This comment period is vital for ensuring that the regulatory process remains transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of both the animals and the regulated community.
Estimated Burden and Impact
APHIS has provided detailed estimates regarding the public burden associated with this information collection. The agency projects an average of 0.893 hours per response. The regulated community, comprising individuals, households, businesses, non-profit institutions, farms, and state, local, or tribal government officials, is estimated to include 6,401 annual respondents. These respondents are expected to submit an average of 24 responses each per year, leading to an estimated annual total of 150,855 responses. The total estimated annual burden on respondents is calculated at 134,774 hours. While these numbers reflect a reduction from previous estimates, they still represent a substantial investment of time and resources from the regulated entities. The process of review and potential refinement following public comments could further optimize these figures, aiming to uphold animal welfare standards while minimizing administrative overhead.
