The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) is the unsurpassed leader in obtaining laws to benefit animals in need.

When AWI was formed in 1951, only two federal laws to protect animals existed. There had been a dearth of laws because humane organizations spent most of their time caring for lost and stray animals, and they were concerned about losing their tax-exempt status by doing too much work on legislation.

The two previously enacted laws were the 1906 “28-hour Law” to protect livestock shipped by rail and the 1948 law authorizing US Customs to prosecute those who fail to maintain reasonably humane standards when shipping animals. These dates and the 42 years between them demonstrate the lack of action on federal legislation to protect animals before AWI’s founding.

AWI's legislative division devotes its efforts entirely to the passage of animal welfare laws, substantially aiding the ratification of 15 federal laws and nine strengthening amendments over the years. While passing this type of legislation is our primary goal, our work also includes combating bad bills and pushing for sound regulations to implement laws and strong funding to enforce government programs.  We work on international and local laws as well.

AWI prepares information for Members of Congress and their staffs. We send action eAlerts to individuals and organizations interested in animal protective legislation, informing them of ways in which they may help—often by writing to Members of Congress or other government officials and to the editors of newspapers. You can help by joining AWI; a willingness to contact your elected representatives about animal-related bills is our only “fee.”

For more information please contact AWI at:

Animal Welfare Institute
PO Box 3650
Washington, DC 20027
(703) 836-4300 (o)
(888) 260-2271 (f)
www.awionline.org