Which of the following types of research facilities are generally thought to be at the lowest risk of being targeted by animal rights activists?

• A. Facilities housing nonhuman primates
• B. Facilities housing cats and dogs
• C. Facilities where stem cell research is conducted
• D. Facilities housing fish and amphibians

Answer: (D)

Public sentiment and media visibility often shape how likely a research facility is to be targeted by animal rights activists. Animals that the public strongly identifies with or feels emotionally connected to tend to draw more attention. Facilities housing primates are highly visible due to their intelligence and frequent media coverage, making them prime targets. Similarly, cats and dogs are beloved pets, so facilities with those species tend to generate strong public emotion and concern. Stem cell research can also provoke ethical debates that attract scrutiny from activist groups.

In contrast, fish and amphibians don’t typically evoke the same level of public empathy or media attention, and they’re not as commonly connected with popular imagery or pet ownership. As a result, facilities housing fish and amphibians are generally thought to be at the lowest risk of being targeted.

Keep in mind that risk can never be zero, but relative risk is highest with highly visible, emotionally charged species and controversial research topics, and lowest with aquatic species like fish and amphibians.