Who enforces the Animal Welfare Act?

• A. FDA
• B. CDC
• C. USDA
• D. EPA

Answer: (C)

The key idea is who is responsible for enforcing humane care standards for certain animals used in research, exhibition, transport, and sale. That responsibility lies with the United States Department of Agriculture, specifically the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. APHIS enforces the Animal Welfare Act by licensing dealers and exhibitors, conducting inspections of facilities, investigating violations, and enforcing compliance through penalties or license actions. The other agencies have different roles: FDA oversees drugs and products related to animal testing outcomes, CDC focuses on public health and biosafety, and EPA handles environmental protection and pesticide regulations. Therefore, USDA is the enforcing body for this Act.