Which of the following groups have regulatory authority to conduct unannounced inspections of the animal facility?

• A. IACUC and USDA personnel
• B. AAALAC
• C. Accredited members of the media
• D. Any community group who submits a written request to perform an inspection

Answer: (A)

Unannounced facility inspections are a regulatory function carried out by groups with legal authority to enforce animal welfare standards. The IACUC, as the institution’s oversight committee, is tasked with inspecting the animal care program and facilities to ensure compliance with approved protocols, policies, and welfare standards. The USDA, through APHIS Animal Care, enforces the Animal Welfare Act and can conduct unannounced inspections to verify adherence to requirements. AAALAC accreditation is voluntary and focuses on program improvement through site visits, not regulatory enforcement. Accredited media or community groups do not have statutory inspection authority. So, the groups with regulatory authority to conduct unannounced inspections are the IACUC and USDA personnel.