Which agency enforces the Animal Welfare Act?

• A. FDA enforces the Animal Welfare Act.
• B. USDA APHIS enforces the Animal Welfare Act.
• C. EPA enforces the Animal Welfare Act.
• D. CDC enforces the Animal Welfare Act.

Answer: (B)

The thing being tested is who enforces the Animal Welfare Act at the federal level. The Animal Welfare Act is the main law that governs humane care and treatment of animals used in research, exhibition, transport, and related activities, and it is enforced by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), specifically the Animal Care program. APHIS inspectors visit facilities, verify compliance with care standards, licensing, and registrations, and take enforcement actions when violations are found.

The other agencies operate under different mandates: the FDA handles foods, drugs, and medical devices; the EPA focuses on environmental protection; and the CDC addresses public health and disease control. None of them are the primary enforcers of the Animal Welfare Act.