Which practice is NOT ethically appropriate in animal research?

• A. Providing humane treatment and proper housing.
• B. Abiding by guidelines and considering alternatives.
• C. Minimizing harm and using proper care.
• D. Increasing pain and distress to speed results.

Answer: (D)

Ethical considerations in animal research require humane treatment and proper housing, adherence to established guidelines, seeking alternatives where possible, and minimizing harm through careful care and refinement of procedures. The option that increases pain and distress to speed results clearly conflicts with these principles, because it involves unnecessary suffering and violates welfare standards. The other practices reflect responsible ethics: providing humane housing supports welfare, following guidelines and considering alternatives reduces or replaces animal use, and minimizing harm shows a commitment to reducing suffering while still pursuing scientific aims.