Who is responsible for oversight of the DoD animal use program?

The oversight of the Department of Defense (DoD) animal use program falls under the authority of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDRE). This role is crucial in ensuring compliance with regulations and standards governing the ethical use of animals in research within the DoD. The DDRE is tasked with the responsibility of implementing policies and oversight mechanisms that safeguard the welfare of animals while enabling research that supports the defense mission.

The Secretary of Defense, while overseeing all DoD activities, delegates specific responsibilities to the DDRE, who has the expertise and authority to focus on research initiatives and animal welfare. Similarly, the Chief Veterinary Officer plays a vital role in veterinary care and animal wellbeing; however, this position supports the broader oversight framework without being directly responsible for program oversight.

While the IACUC Chairperson is crucial for the committee's functioning and ensuring adherence to animal care protocols, this role is specifically related to the institutional level rather than the DoD level oversight. Thus, the DDRE specifically holds the accountability for overseeing the entire DoD animal use program, ensuring that it aligns with federal regulations and ethical standards.