In valid research, animals must not be stressed. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

Minimizing stress is essential because stress can alter physiology and behavior, introducing confounding factors that bias results and raise welfare concerns. In valid research, animals should not be stressed unnecessarily; researchers use humane handling, appropriate anesthesia and analgesia, refined procedures, and enrichment to keep stress at a minimum. If a study must involve a stressor to answer a scientific question, it must be scientifically justified, approved by the appropriate ethics body, and designed to minimize suffering with clear humane endpoints. So the statement aligns with the aim of ethical, scientifically sound animal research: stress should be avoided whenever possible.