True or False: DoD requires its facilities to be accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC).

The assertion that the Department of Defense (DoD) requires its facilities to be accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) is indeed true. The DoD mandates compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, which includes seeking accreditation from AAALAC as a demonstration of commitment to high standards in animal care and use. By obtaining this accreditation, facilities can ensure that they meet rigorous scientific, ethical, and animal welfare standards, which is vital for maintaining credibility and ensuring the humane treatment of animals in research. This requirement underscores the importance the DoD places on ethical animal research practices and the role of independent accreditation in facilitating adherence to such practices.