Which department enforces the Animal Welfare Act regulations?

The enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act regulations falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture. This department is specifically tasked with ensuring humane treatment of animals used in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which is part of the Department of Agriculture, plays a key role in overseeing compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, including conducting inspections, providing guidance, and enforcing regulations designed to protect animals.

The other departments mentioned, such as the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Defense, have different primary focuses and responsibilities. For instance, the Department of the Interior primarily manages natural resources and wildlife conservation, while the Environmental Protection Agency focuses on environmental protection rather than animal welfare directly. The Department of Defense is concerned with military operations and might occasionally deal with the care of service animals but does not enforce regulations concerning the welfare of animals in general.