Office of Investigations (2024)

The enforcement of animal welfare laws is very important to USDA OIG, and we work closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate allegations consistent with or related to the following federal statutes:

See Also
AskUSDA

  • The Animal Welfare Act 7 U.S.C. §§ 2131 - 2160
  • The Animal Fighting Venture Prohibition Act, 18 U.S.C. § 49
  • The Horse Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1821- 1831
  • Transportation of Animals, also known as, the Twenty-Eight Hour Law, 49 U.S.C. § 80502
  • The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, formerly known as the Animal Crush Video Statute, 18 U.S.C. § 48

USDA OIG’s principal litigation partner when violations of animal welfare laws are uncovered is the Department of Justice (DOJ), Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), who, together with U.S. Attorneys' Offices, works to ensure full effect is given to the federal statutes and enforcement regimes that provide for the humane treatment of captive, farmed, and companion animals across the United States.

Where appropriate, ENRD's Environmental Crimes Section (ECS) brings criminal prosecutions under these laws against, for example, people who are involved in the illegal blood sports of dog and co*ck fighting. In these cases, ECS works with investigators from USDA OIG, various Department of Justice law enforcement agencies (Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, and other investigative partners.

ENRD also developed a civil program aimed at filing civil forfeiture actions to acquire title to animals involved in fighting operations. ENRD’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section litigators stand ready to file civil forfeiture actions which can often result in animals being permanently removed from their alleged abusers far more quickly than through the criminal forfeiture process. From 2015-2023, USDA OIG’s efforts, in cooperation with DOJ, have led to the rescue of more than 2,400 dogs from suspected dog fighting operations around the country.

Additionally, over the course of hundreds of animal welfare investigations, USDA OIG has learned that certain forms of animal cruelty, such as dog and co*ckfighting, can be part of a highly organized interstate criminal industry that not only harms animals, but also threatens public safety. Other criminal activities, including drug trafficking, unlawful possession of firearms, illegal gambling, stolen vehicles and property offenses, and child endangerment, are frequently associated with dog and co*ckfighting ventures.

For more information, please visit the Department of Justice website - About the Animal Welfare Litigation Program.

To learn more about dogs rescued from animal fighting, please visit the U.S. Marshals Service website - Help A Rescue Dog.

Office of Investigations (2024)

FAQs

Office of Investigations? ›

The Office of Investigations, a component within the OIG, has criminal investigators who have statutory Federal law enforcement authority and perform criminal, civil, and administrative investigations related to allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse affecting any OPM program, as well as gross mismanagement and employee ...

What is the Office of Investigations? ›

The Office of Investigations, a component within the OIG, has criminal investigators who have statutory Federal law enforcement authority and perform criminal, civil, and administrative investigations related to allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse affecting any OPM program, as well as gross mismanagement and employee ...

Is an OIG investigation serious? ›

Possible results of OIG investigations include: Criminal Prosecution: If the OIG uncovers evidence of criminal activity, the case may be referred to law enforcement authorities for prosecution. This could lead to criminal charges, arrests, and legal proceedings.

What is the purpose of the Office of Special Investigations? ›

Its primary responsibilities are criminal investigations and counterintelligence services. OSI exists to: Defend the Nation, Pursue Justice, Protect the Department of the Air Force and Find the Truth. OSI has more than 2,000 military and civilian federally credentialed special agents.

What does the Ohio Bureau of investigation do? ›

We, the professional men and women of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, are committed to serve the law enforcement community and protect the citizens of Ohio by providing accurate criminal records, reliable laboratory services and comprehensive investigative assistance.

How do you know if social security is investigating you? ›

Typically, when the SSA decides to start an investigation, they will have an investigator follow you at your Consultative Exam. The people who follow you are not police officers. The reason the SSA may spy on you at your Consultative Exam is that they know you will be at the exam.

How does the FBI do investigations? ›

The FBI's highly trained personnel then use intelligence, science, technology, and other tools to investigate federal crimes and terrorism. In some cases, the FBI turns to special tactics and teams to catch dangerous suspects in high-pressure situations.

What triggers an OIG audit? ›

OIG initiates investigations based on information received from a variety of sources, including: OIG's fraud, waste and abuse hotline; Department, GAO, and DOJ referrals; Congressional requests; and referrals from OSC regarding whistleblower disclosures.

Can you choose not to talk to an OIG investigator? ›

NLRB regulations require employees to cooperate with the OIG and to provide sworn testimony (29 CFR 100.21). In a criminal investigation, the subject will be informed of the right to remain silent. However, that silence, together with other evidence, will not preclude disciplinary action.

What types of complaints does the OIG investigate? ›

The OIG may use the information you provide to investigate allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct by Department of Justice employees, contractors, or grantees. The OIG is authorized to collect this information pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978 as amended, 5 U.S.C.

What crimes does OSI investigate? ›

OSI manages offensive and defensive activities to detect, counter and destroy the effectiveness of hostile intelligence services and terrorist groups that target the Air Force. These efforts include investigating the crimes of espionage, terrorism, technology transfer and computer infiltration.

How long do OSI investigations take? ›

Pre-employment suitability investigations are normally conducted by the OSI unit closest to the selectee. The investigation takes approximately 45-60 days. A key factor in the time it takes is the applicant's responsiveness.

How much do OSI agents make? ›

The estimated total pay range for a Special Agent at U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations is $111K–$171K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Special Agent base salary at U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations is $138K per year.

What type of crimes does the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigate? ›

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) enforces federal law, and investigates a variety of criminal activity including terrorism, cybercrime, white collar crimes, public corruption, civil rights violations, and other major crimes.

What does the Ohio investigative unit do? ›

The Ohio Investigative Unit enforces Ohio's alcohol, tobacco, and food stamp fraud laws. OIU agents are responsible for investigating violations relating to the liquor control act as well as criminal activity in or around liquor permit locations (bars, restaurants, carryouts, etc.) and illegal establishments.

What does an investigation do? ›

What does investigation mean? An investigation is a thorough search for facts, especially those that are hidden or need to be sorted out in a complex situation. The goal of an investigation is usually to determine how or why something happened. Investigations are usually formal and official.

What is the investigation office in USA? ›

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) enforces federal law, and investigates a variety of criminal activity including terrorism, cybercrime, white collar crimes, public corruption, civil rights violations, and other major crimes.

What does EPA investigate? ›

Common Violations

Illegal disposal of hazardous waste. Export of hazardous waste without the permission of the receiving country. Illegal discharge of pollutants to a water of the United States. The removal and disposal of regulated asbestos containing materials in a manner inconsistent with the law and regulations.

What does NYC Department of Investigation do? ›

The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) is the City's Inspector General, with independent oversight of City government. Our investigations may involve any agency, officer, elected official or employee of the City, as well as those who do business with or receive benefits from the City.

Who investigates OPM? ›

Inspector General. Protecting the integrity of OPM services and programs through independent and objective oversight.

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