Animal Welfare; Solid Resting Surfaces for Dogs and Cats

We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the regulations under the Animal Welfare Act pertaining to primary enclosures for dogs and cats by removing the requirement that primary enclosures with flooring made of mesh or slatted construction include a solid resting surface. The interim rule became effective on July 14, 1998. The requirement we removed was erroneously added in a final rule that amended the requirements for primary enclosures for dogs and cats to prohibit bare wire flooring in such enclosures. As stated in the subsequent interim rule, we do not believe that it is necessary for primary enclosures with acceptable flooring of mesh or slatted construction to include a solid resting surface. Therefore, this action finalizes the removal of an unnecessary and unintended requirement.