How are animals' pain and distress levels determined in research proposals?

• A. Based on the budget and timeline.
• B. Based on the procedures to be performed, species, and possible outcomes; the protocol must justify expected pain levels and mitigation strategies.
• C. Based on the researchers' personal tolerance.
• D. Based solely on the species' natural behavior.

Answer: (B)

Pain and distress levels in research proposals are determined by the specific procedures planned, the species being used, and the possible outcomes of those procedures. The protocol must justify the expected level of pain or distress and outline how it will be minimized through analgesia, anesthesia, refined techniques, and planned humane endpoints. This reflects how oversight expects investigators to anticipate suffering and take concrete steps to reduce it. Budget, timeline, personal tolerance, or relying on the species’ natural behavior alone do not establish or justify pain levels.