Craig Lesser and Marilyn S. Lesser, Doing Business as Lsr Industries, Inc. v. Michael Espy, Secretary of Agriculture

FLAUM, Circuit Judge.

Congress enacted the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. §§ 2131-2159, to expand the regulation of animals used in scientific research. 7 U.S.C. § 2131(1). The Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards that govern the handling, care, treatment, and transportation of such animals. 7 U.S.C. § 2143. The Act also empowers the Secretary to issue licenses to those who deal in such animals. 7 U.S.C. § 2133. To facilitate compliance with the Act (and the standards promulgated thereunder), agents of the Secretary are authorized to inspect each dealer’s…