Which of the following statements regarding the use of restraint on animals in a research study is FALSE?

The statement that restraint for brief periods of time during experimental procedures does not need to be mentioned in the animal use protocol is incorrect. In research settings, any use of restraint on animals must be explicitly documented in the animal use protocol. This is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures compliance with ethical guidelines and regulations governing animal welfare. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) requires full transparency about all procedures involving animals, including temporary restraint, to assess the potential emotional and physical impacts on the animals.

Moreover, even brief periods of restraint can potentially affect an animal's well-being and may contribute to stress or discomfort. Thus, it is vital for researchers to address how restraint will be managed and monitored within the protocol to mitigate any negative effects. This transparency allows for regulatory oversight and helps ensure that the research adheres to humane practices.

In contrast, the other statements accurately reflect responsible practices regarding the use of restraint in research. Restraint can indeed be part of housing and should be minimized whenever feasible to enhance animal welfare. Additionally, acknowledging the potential stress that restraint may incur and implementing monitoring strategies are crucial to safeguarding the animals involved in research studies.