U.S. APHIS Inspector Shortage Threatens Animal Welfare Act Oversight

ScienceInsider recently reported on critical workforce shortages at the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).  Beyond managing invasive pests, regulating genetically engineered crops, and certifying U.S. agricultural exports, the APHIS enforces the Animal Welfare Act (AWA; Pub. L. No. 89-544, 80 Stat. 350, 824/1966; codified at 7 U.S.C. 2131-2160).  Currently, 77 APHIS inspectors are responsible for overseeing “about 900 research facilities” as well as “thousands of zoos, breeders, and animal transporters.”  A May 19, 2025 Congressional Research Service (CRS) report details APHIS staffing issues and their impact upon inspections, particularly noting problems with research facilities and dog breeders.  The CRS report also notes “Congress plays a central role in shaping AWA enforcement and has policy options available to address inspection frequency, penalty effectiveness, transparency, and agency resources.”