INTRODUCTION (cont)
Amendments to this Act have expanded and strengthened USDA regulations of research institutions and animal dealers. The regulations now involve the care, housing and treatment of research animals as well as their sale, purchase and transport. The most recent amendment to the Act, known as "The Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act" of 1985 calls for USDA regulations in two major categories;
1 - requirements that are designed to improve and ensure humane treatment of animals
2 - and requirements that will result in expanded institutional and public monitoring of the animal use process.