[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 9, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2006]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 9CFR2.131]

[Page 41]
 
                  TITLE 9--ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS
 
  CHAPTER I--ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 2_REGULATIONS--Table of Contents
 
                         Subpart I_Miscellaneous
 
Sec. 2.131  Handling of animals.

    (a) All licensees who maintain wild or exotic animals must 
demonstrate adequate experience and knowledge of the species they 
maintain.
    (b)(1) Handling of all animals shall be done as expeditiously and 
carefully as possible in a manner that does not cause trauma, 
overheating, excessive cooling, behavioral stress, physical harm, or 
unnecessary discomfort.
    (2)(i) Physical abuse shall not be used to train, work, or otherwise 
handle animals.
    (ii) Deprivation of food or water shall not be used to train, work, 
or otherwise handle animals; Provided, however, That the short-term 
withholding of food or water from animals by exhibitors is allowed by 
these regulations as long as each of the animals affected receives its 
full dietary and nutrition requirements each day.
    (c)(1) During public exhibition, any animal must be handled so there 
is minimal risk of harm to the animal and to the public, with sufficient 
distance and/or barriers between the animal and the general viewing 
public so as to assure the safety of animals and the public.
    (2) Performing animals shall be allowed a rest period between 
performances at least equal to the time for one performance.
    (3) Young or immature animals shall not be exposed to rough or 
excessive public handling or exhibited for periods of time which would 
be detrimental to their health or well-being.
    (4) Drugs, such as tranquilizers, shall not be used to facilitate, 
allow, or provide for public handling of the animals.
    (d)(1) Animals shall be exhibited only for periods of time and under 
conditions consistent with their good health and well-being.
    (2) A responsible, knowledgeable, and readily identifiable employee 
or attendant must be present at all times during periods of public 
contact.
    (3) During public exhibition, dangerous animals such as lions, 
tigers, wolves, bears, or elephants must be under the direct control and 
supervision of a knowledgeable and experienced animal handler.
    (4) If public feeding of animals is allowed, the food must be 
provided by the animal facility and shall be appropriate to the type of 
animal and its nutritional needs and diet.
    (e) When climatic conditions present a threat to an animal's health 
or well-being, appropriate measures must be taken to alleviate the 
impact of those conditions. An animal may never be subjected to any 
combination of temperature, humidity, and time that is detrimental to 
the animal's health or well-being, taking into consideration such 
factors as the animal's age, species, breed, overall health status, and 
acclimation.

[54 FR 36147, Aug. 31, 1989, as amended at 63 FR 10498, Mar. 4, 1998; 69 
FR 42102, July 14, 2004]

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