Which regulation must be adhered to when transporting live animals?

When transporting live animals, it is crucial to adhere to regulations that ensure their humane treatment. This is because these regulations are designed to protect the welfare of animals during transport, preventing undue stress, injury, or suffering. Various international and national agencies, such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), have established guidelines and rules that must be followed when animals are being moved, whether domestically or internationally.

These regulations address numerous factors, including appropriate containment, ventilation, temperature control, and feeding and watering during transit. Adhering to these guidelines not only safeguards the welfare of the animals but also promotes compliance with the law and the ethical responsibilities of transporters and airlines. This ensures that the animals arrive safely at their destination and that their welfare is prioritized, fostering public trust in the transportation systems in place for live animals.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the reality of live animal transport, as there are indeed specific regulations that must be respected to guarantee humane treatment, making adherence to such regulations mandatory rather than optional.