Which agency is responsible for the administration of the Animal Welfare Act?

The agency responsible for the administration of the Animal Welfare Act is the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). APHIS is a part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is tasked with enforcing the Animal Welfare Act by setting standards for the care and treatment of animals used in research, education, and exhibition. This includes overseeing the humane handling, housing, and veterinary care of covered species.

Understanding APHIS's role is crucial for individuals working with laboratory animals, as it ensures compliance with federal regulations that protect their welfare. This agency conducts inspections of facilities, establishes guidelines, and provides oversight to ensure that the rights of animals are maintained.

Other agencies mentioned, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have significant roles in fields related to animal research, but they do not administer the Animal Welfare Act. The EPA focuses more on environmental regulations and chemical safety, while the NIH supports and conducts medical research that may involve animal studies but does not oversee the compliance aspects of animal welfare mandated by the Animal Welfare Act.