In 2002, Congress included avian species in the definition of animals in the Animal Welfare Act. In 2020, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ordered USDA to publish\ proposed definitions and regulatory standards in the Federal Register.
The Proposed Rule published on February 21st 2022 was modified according to public comment and became effective on March 23rd 2023. The Final Rule excludes falconry, birds bred specifically for research, teaching, testing or experimentation and establishes a minimum threshold exemption for exhibition of four or fewer raptors. There is a minimum threshold exemption for dealers handling 200 or fewer 
pet birds weighing less than one-half pound or annual sales of eight birds weighing more than the half-pound threshold.
The standards call for humane handling care, treatment and transportation by breeders, dealers, exhibitors and transporters.