The Animal Welfare Act regulates the care and treatment of which one of the following animals?

• A. Rabbit in a research laboratory
• B. Privately-owned cat
• C. Snake for sale at the pet store
• D. Goat raised for meat

Answer: (A)

The Animal Welfare Act focuses on animals used in research, teaching, and exhibition, plus those involved in the sale or transport of animals for those purposes. A rabbit in a research laboratory clearly falls under this scope, and the act sets standards for their housing, handling, veterinary care, and records. Privately owned cats are household pets and aren’t regulated by the AWA. Snakes are cold-blooded and not covered under this act, which emphasizes warm-blooded animals used in research or exhibition. Goats raised for meat are farm animals used for food and generally not regulated by the AWA unless they’re involved in research or exhibition, so they don’t fit the act’s typical scope.