Which of the following statements is TRUE?

The statement that sheep used in a study testing different ways to improve the quality of wool for use in clothing would not be covered by the Animal Welfare Act is not accurate. The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) provides protection for certain animals used in research, including sheep, regardless of whether the research is aimed at improving wool quality. Generally, the AWA covers warm-blooded animals, which includes sheep, in research settings.

The correct statement is that each PHS-assured institution must be inspected by OLAW at least annually, reflecting the importance of compliance with federal regulations governing the care and use of animals in research when federal funding is involved. These inspections ensure that institutions adhere to standards for animal welfare, thereby promoting humane treatment and ethical research practices.

The other options present various misunderstandings: A misrepresents the assurance and registration by suggesting exclusivity, while D suggests that all laboratory-bred mice are covered under Animal Welfare Regulations, which is not the case; specifically, mice bred for certain purposes may be exempt from some regulations. Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating animal research ethics and regulatory compliance.