What is essential for conducting animal procedures causing pain or distress?

In the context of conducting animal procedures that cause pain or distress, involving a veterinarian in the review of all protocols is crucial. This is because the veterinarian brings expertise in animal health and welfare, ensuring that all potential risks and ethical considerations are adequately assessed. Their involvement helps to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and promotes the humane treatment of animals during research.

The veterinarian can provide insights on pain management, appropriate anesthetic techniques, and postoperative care, which are critical for minimizing suffering and ensuring the well-being of the animals involved. Additionally, their input supports the ethical justification for the use of animals in research by ensuring that the potential benefits of the study outweigh the potential harm to the animals.

Other options may imply varying levels of oversight or authority, but the essential involvement of a veterinarian specifically addresses the welfare of the animals in procedures that induce pain or distress, making it a fundamental requirement in animal research ethics and care.