Cold-blooded Animal Research and Exhibition Act

House Votes

This bill expands the Animal Welfare Act’s definition of “animal” to include cold-blooded species. That means reptiles, amphibians, cephalopods (like octopuses), and fish would be counted as animals when they are used for research, testing, experiments, exhibitions (like zoos or shows), or as pets. The bill keeps some current exclusions, like birds, research-bred rats and mice, horses not used for research, and farm animals (including fish) used for food, fiber, or to improve farming. It also says “dog” includes all dogs, even those used for hunting, security, or breeding.

In everyday life, this could mean places that handle reptiles, amphibians, cephalopods, and fish for research, shows, or the pet trade may have to meet the same federal standards already used for other animals under the Act.

• Who is affected: Research labs, exhibitors (like zoos or shows), dealers, and others who use or handle reptiles, amphibians, cephalopods, and fish for these purposes; all dogs are included under the definition of “animal”.
• What changes: Cold-blooded species are added to the definition of “animal,” while certain birds, research-bred rats and mice, non-research horses, and farm animals for food/fiber or farm improvement remain excluded.
• When: This is a proposal to change the law’s definition; timing would depend on the bill becoming law.