Policy #20 --- Identification of Puppies Less than 16 Weeks of Age --- April 14, 1997
References: AWA Sections 1 and 12 and 9CFR, Part 2, Sections 2.50(a)(2) and (b)(3)
History: Replaces memorandum dated December 30, 1993, "Identification of Puppies Under 16 Weeks of Age."
Justification: The Animal Care staff has been made aware of problems from using plastic collars to identify puppies that are less than 16 weeks of age.
Policy:
After reviewing the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and its intent, puppies under 16 weeks of age can be exempt from individual identification if the following requirements are met:
1. The puppies remain housed at the facility where they were whelped and are maintained as a litter.
2. The enclosure containing the puppies is identified with the information required by 9 CFR Section 2.50 until the puppies are sold or moved from the facility where they were whelped or reach the age of 16 weeks, which ever comes first.
