Which act mandates minimum standards of care and treatment for animals?

The Animal Welfare Act is the primary federal legislation in the United States that establishes minimum standards for the care and treatment of animals. This act covers a wide range of animals and sets forth provisions to ensure humane treatment in various settings, including research facilities, zoos, and commercial animal breeding and transportation. It encompasses requirements related to housing conditions, veterinary care, and overall well-being, aiming to prevent cruelty and ensure that animals are treated with respect and dignity.

Other acts, such as the Endangered Species Act, primarily focus on the conservation of threatened or endangered species rather than general welfare standards. The Paw Protection Act is not a widely recognized federal law, and while the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act is significant, it serves a more specific purpose regarding animals used in research. Thus, the Animal Welfare Act distinctly serves as the overarching legislation that mandates minimum standards of care and treatment for animals across various contexts.