Which organization is described as ensuring welfare in animal care and use?

• A. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
• B. National Pet Welfare Board
• C. Animal Health and Welfare Agency
• D. Veterinary Practice Standards Council

Answer: (A)

Oversight for welfare in animal care and use is provided by a committee within the institution that reviews all proposed animal research and teaching procedures. This committee assesses the necessity of the work, ensures pain and distress are minimized, requires appropriate anesthesia and analgesia, and monitors housing, enrichment, and veterinary care. It also checks that alternatives to animal use are considered and that ongoing work complies with laws and institutional policies.

The institution-specific body that fits this description is the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, which is responsible for approving protocols, monitoring compliance, and safeguarding animal welfare across research and teaching activities. The other organizations mentioned do not serve this central oversight role in animal use; they are not the standard bodies responsible for reviewing and enforcing welfare in experimental animal care within institutions.