License Renewals for Random Source B Dealers Put on Hold Until Oct. 1, 2016

On December 18, 2015, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 to fund the Federal government through September 30, 2016. Animal Care would like to note for those licensed or registered under the Animal Welfare Act, this legislation prohibits the Agency from the use of funds to “carry out any activities or incur any expense related to the issuance of licenses under section 3 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2133), or the renewal of such licenses, to class B dealers who sell dogs and cats for use in research, experiments, teaching or testing.” 

As a result of this legislation, effective immediately and continuing through September 30, 2016, when Animal Care issues a new class B dealer’s license or renews a class B dealer’s license, the licensing certificate will contain the following statement: “Due to a recent change in the law, please be aware that you may not use this class B dealer’s license to sell dogs or cats for use in research, experiments, teaching, or testing.”  This change will not affect the licensing of class B dealers who sell animals other than dogs and cats to research, and will not affect class B dealers who sell dogs and cats for exhibit or pets.  Finally, licensing for class A dealers who sell dogs and cats to research are not impacted by this legislation.

If you have questions about your license or believe that an individual or organization is not complying with the AWA or the terms of licensure for class B dealers, please contact Dave Sacks in our Riverdale, Md., office at 301 851-3749.