Comments on AWA licensing amendment close this week

Comments will close Thursday, Nov. 2, on a piece of proposed rulemaking related to the Animal Welfare Act’s (AWA) licensing requirements. Currently, licensees under AWA must submit an application form with application fee prior to licensing, and must pay an annual fee to continue holding that license. Licenses are automatically renewed without inspection. The proposed amendment would set an expiration date on AWA licenses (three to five years is being considered) and inspections or other guarantees of AWA compliance would be required prior to renewal of a license. The annual fee would be abolished and instead replaced with a fee upon renewal. The proposal can be read in full, and comments can be submitted online, by visiting regulations.gov and searching for Docket ID APHIS-2017-0062-0001.