Who primarily oversees compliance with the Animal Welfare Act?

The oversight of compliance with the Animal Welfare Act is primarily the responsibility of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA is tasked with enforcing standards for the humane care and treatment of animals used in research and it has the authority to conduct inspections of facilities to ensure compliance with the regulations set forth by the Animal Welfare Act.

The USDA's role includes the regulation of animal welfare issues in various settings, including research facilities, commercial enterprises, and certain exhibitions that use animals. This regulatory responsibility is vital in ensuring that animals in research settings are treated humanely and that their welfare is prioritized.

Other organizations mentioned in the choices focus on different aspects of animal welfare and research oversight. The Public Health Service (PHS) and the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) oversee the Welfare assurance process for institutions receiving PHS funding, but their functions are more specific to health and safety in research contexts rather than direct compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) is an organization that provides accreditation to institutions, which is an important aspect of animal welfare but does not hold the regulatory authority of the USDA.