Which of the following is true regarding the dog exercise program mandated by USDA Animal Welfare Act regulations?

The statement that the IACUC can exempt an animal for scientific reasons is accurate. The USDA Animal Welfare Act regulations specify that while there are mandatory requirements for animal care, including exercise for dogs, the IACUC, which is responsible for overseeing the humane treatment of animals in research, has the authority to grant exemptions in certain circumstances. These exemptions might be based on scientific considerations, such as if an exercise requirement would interfere with the research objectives or impact the validity of the scientific study.

In this context, the role of the IACUC is critical, as it ensures that animal welfare measures are balanced with the scientific needs of the research. The committee must establish protocols that protect the animals while also allowing for advancements in scientific knowledge when justified. This balance underscores the ethical responsibility of the IACUC in animal research settings.