The Senate Committee on Labor, Regulatory Reform, Veterans and Military Affairs convened on August 29, 2023, to address significant issues surrounding animal welfare standards and accreditation in Wisconsin. A key focus of the meeting was the ongoing debate between the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) regarding their respective accreditation standards.

The discussion began with a review of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's (DATCP) 2019 determination that ZAA accreditation standards were inferior to those of AZA. DATCP had previously approved an exemption for AZA while denying a similar request from ZAA, citing insufficient veterinary oversight and disease prevention measures in ZAA's standards.

Legislative attempts by ZAA to gain exemptions from state oversight have failed in several states, including Michigan and Louisiana, with a recent setback in Minnesota. ZAA representatives argued for parity between their standards and those of AZA, but the committee noted that the existence of two separate organizations indicates a significant difference in standards and implementation.

The committee highlighted AZA's proven track record in prioritizing animal safety and welfare, contrasting it with ZAA's history of issues, including facilities that have failed AZA accreditation due to serious problems such as inadequate infrastructure, misuse of resources, and violations of the Federal Animal Welfare Act. The discussion included specific examples of ZAA-accredited facilities that have faced enforcement actions from the USDA, totaling over $135,000 in fines and numerous citations for critical violations.

Concerns were raised about the safety records of ZAA-accredited facilities, with reports of injuries to individuals caused by various animals, including elephants and tigers. The committee concluded that the disparities in accreditation standards and the implications for animal welfare warrant further scrutiny and potential regulatory action.

As the meeting adjourned, the committee emphasized the need for continued oversight and evaluation of animal welfare standards in Wisconsin, signaling potential future discussions on regulatory reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in accredited facilities.