Cold-blooded Animal Research and Exhibition Act

H.R. 2976, the Cold-blooded Animal Research and Exhibition Act, would amend the Animal Welfare Act to include cold-blooded animals in its legal definition of "animal." Currently, the federal law primarily covers warm-blooded animals like dogs, cats, and primates, leaving fish, reptiles, amphibians, and cephalopods without federal oversight when used in research or exhibitions.

If enacted, this bill would bring cold-blooded species under federal animal welfare regulations for the first time. This means facilities using these animals in research, testing, or public exhibitions would need to meet care standards and report their use. The bill includes exceptions for certain animals used in food production and research animals specifically bred for laboratory purposes.

The bill is currently referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and has not yet been voted on by the full House. If it becomes law, it could affect research institutions, zoos, aquariums, and pet facilities that work with cold-blooded animals by requiring them to comply with new federal welfare standards.