Which statement about animal welfare is true?

• A. Animals must not be used at all
• B. Animals can be used but must be treated humanely
• C. Animals have no welfare implications
• D. Animals are always treated with extra protections

Answer: (B)

In animal welfare, using animals is allowed only under rules designed to protect their well-being. The idea is that animals can be used for research, teaching, or testing, but their treatment must be humane: procedures should minimize pain and distress, appropriate anesthesia or analgesia should be used when needed, animals must have proper housing and enrichment, and veterinary care and humane endpoints should be in place. Oversight committees review proposed work to ensure these standards are met.

That’s why the statement that animals can be used but must be treated humanely is the best answer. It captures the balance between allowing use and ensuring welfare. The other ideas miss important points: animals being used at all isn’t ruled out, welfare implications exist and are regulated, and protections aren’t automatically “extra” in every situation—protections are applied according to regulations and the specifics of the work.