After intensive lobbying and pressure from welfare organizations “birds” will be afforded the same protection as mammals under the Animal Welfare Act. According to a review by attorney Rebecca Bazan of law firm Duanne Morris LLP., commercial poultry comprising both galliform and anseriform birds intended for food production are exempted from the  regulations under the Animal Welfare Act.

The inclusion of "birds" in the Animal Welfare Act applies to dealers, research facilities, exhibitors, auction sale operators and intermediate handlers.  The regulations exclude farm animals intended for food, state and county fairs and other specified exemptions. The standards of welfare will be effective on March 23, 2023.