What type of procedures fall under Category C of animal welfare?

Category C of animal welfare regulations refers specifically to procedures that do not cause any pain or distress to the animals involved. This classification is important because it reflects a commitment to minimizing suffering in research and testing environments.

In the context of the Animal Welfare Act and associated guidelines, Category C is designed for studies where animals experience a high level of well-being throughout the procedure. Such procedures typically include observational studies, non-invasive experiments, or situations where the animals are simply being kept in controlled, humane conditions without any physical or psychological distress.

The other categories—such as procedures causing pain or distress, those requiring scientific justification, and those involving anesthetic interventions—do not fall under Category C because they either acknowledge the potential for suffering or require specific protocols to minimize pain. Category C intentionally emphasizes routines that have been deemed low risk for the animals, prioritizing their welfare.