Which statement best reflects the relationship between IACUC approval and animal work initiation?

IACUC approval is essential before starting any animal work because it ensures that all proposed research involving animals adheres to ethical standards and complies with relevant regulations. The IACUC reviews research protocols to assess the potential impact on animal welfare, ensuring that the principles of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—are respected. This approval process is a critical safeguard designed to protect animals from unnecessary harm and to confirm that the research has a valid scientific purpose. Initiating animal-related research without IACUC approval would violate ethical standards and legal requirements, making it imperative that all work begins only after this necessary review and approval.

In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios where work could begin without the necessary oversight or imply a level of autonomy that could undermine animal welfare and regulatory compliance.