What primary aspect do institutional policies address regarding animal welfare?

Institutional policies regarding animal welfare primarily focus on the overall health and safety aspects affecting all animals. This broad perspective is crucial as it encompasses a wide range of factors that contribute to the well-being of animals used in research and education, including their physical and psychological health, environmental conditions, and proper care standards.

Effective animal welfare policies require a holistic approach that considers not just the care provided for animals, but also the conditions under which they are housed and the methods used in research. This ensures that all species, regardless of size or type, are treated with the same level of compassion and ethical responsibility.

In contrast, prioritizing only the safety of large animal species would neglect the welfare of smaller species or those in different research contexts. Focusing solely on infrastructure and physical facility conditions could overlook essential health management practices that are vital for animal welfare. Similarly, restricting attention to research methods alone would disregard the broader responsibility of institutions to ensure the comprehensive welfare of all animals involved in their programs.