The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the Animal Welfare Act. Specific administration falls to the Animal Care Program (AC), which is part of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which is a division of the USDA.

Key contacts include:

Dr. Elizabeth Goldentyer
Regional Director, Eastern Region USDA/APHIS/Animal Care (AC)
920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606-5210
Fax: 919-855-7123
Phone (general office): 919-855-7100
Email (general office): aceast@aphis.usda.gov

Ms. Kathy Hovancsak
Supervisory, Animal Care Specialist
920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606-5210
Fax: 919-855-7123
Phone (general office): 919-855-7100
Email (general office): aceast@aphis.usda.gov

Ms. Cindy J. Smith
Administrator
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Room 312-E, Whitten Building
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20250
cindy.j.smith@usda.gov

Mr. Kevin Shea
Deputy Administrator
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Room 312-E, Whitten Building
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20250
kevin.a.shea@usda.gov

Dr. Chester A. Gipson
Deputy Administrator of Animal Care
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service
USDA-APHIS-AC, Rm. 2D13
4700 River Road, Unit 97
Riverdale, MD 20737
chester.a.gibson@usda.gov

Mr. Tom Vilsack
Secretary of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20250

Ms. Kathleen A. Merrigan
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20250
(awaiting congressional approval)

USDA Oversight

Per USDA inspection reports (from multiple years), it's apparent that the USDA has failed to take action and properly enforce the Animal Welfare Act.

For an assessment, go to Improvements.