Animal Welfare; Licensing and Records

We are amending the Animal Welfare regulations to require dealers, exhibitors, and operators of auction sales who apply for license renewal to certify that, to the best of their knowledge and belief, they are in compliance with the regulations before a renewal is issued. We are also amending the regulations to require dealers and exhibitors to use certain forms to make, keep, and maintain the animal identification records required by the regulations, unless a variance has been granted that would allow the use of a computerized recordkeeping system that has been determined by the Administrator to meet the requirements of the regulations. These changes will help ensure that applicants for license renewal are in compliance with the regulations and that dealers and exhibitors keep accurate and complete records, thus promoting compliance with the Animal Welfare Act.