Which regulatory body is primarily responsible for enforcing animal welfare standards in the U.S.?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the primary regulatory body responsible for enforcing animal welfare standards in the United States. This role is centered around the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which sets specific standards for the humane care and treatment of animals used in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) oversees the implementation of the AWA, issuing regulations that facilities must follow to ensure the welfare of animals.

While other agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may have roles related to animal research or welfare in specific contexts, they do not have the overarching responsibility for animal welfare standards. The NIH focuses more on biomedical research and its ethical oversight, the FDA is concerned primarily with drugs and food safety, and the EPA deals with environmental protection. Therefore, the USDA's dedicated authority in this area solidifies its role as the primary body enforcing animal welfare standards.