Procedures that involve inflicting severe pain near, at, or above the pain tolerance threshold of unanesthetized, conscious animals.
(Examples and Comments)
Use of muscle relaxants or paralytic drugs such as succinylcholine or other curariform drugs used alone for surgical restraint without the use of anesthetics; severe burn or trauma infliction on unanesthetized animals; attempts to induce psychotic-like behavior; killing by use of microwave ovens designed for domestic kitchens or by strychnine; inescapably severe stress or terminal stress. Category E experiments are considered highly questionable or unacceptable irrespective of the significance of anticipated results. Many of these procedures are specifically prohibited in national policies and
therefore may result in withdrawal of federal funds and/or institutional USDA registration.