On 28 April 2006, the US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) proposed to amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations (9 CFR Part 2) regarding the handling of animals. The substance of the change adds a new paragraph to Sec. 2.131 “that would require the use of shift cages for moving and transporting potentially dangerous animals, such as big cats (lions, tigers, pumas, jaguars, and cheetahs); all species of bears; great apes (gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans) and other nonhuman primates; and wild or exotic canids1.” The purpose of this amendment is to reduce the risks and injuries that escaping animals may cause to persons and other animals, and ensure their safe transport between their enclosures.

Shift cages vary in design, some of which are permanent structures (such as connections between two enclosures), whereas others are temporary housing (such as transport cages). Regardless of the type, however, the new proposed rule would require that all shift cages meet the following performance standards:

  • Attach to the animals' cage or holding pen;

  • Enclose animals securely in their cages;

  • Not allow animals to pass through any gaps between the shift cage and their primary enclosures;

  • Be structurally sound and maintained in good repair; and

  • Provide handlers access to the animals' cages without risking their safety.

The proposed rule would also require that all personnel involved in the movement or transport of potentially dangerous animals be trained in the proper use of the equipment. In addition, the rule would mandate that animal facilities establish written protocols for the safe transfer of animals.