Towards consistent ethical transparency in behavior and welfare research: A practical framework for authors, reviewers, and editors

Abstract

The Journal of Veterinary Behavior receives submissions spanning animal, clinical, and human–animal research contexts, each governed by different ethical and regulatory frameworks. Despite widespread compliance with local oversight systems, inconsistent reporting of ethical review and reasoning limits transparency and complicates editorial assessment. Despite widespread compliance with local oversight systems, inconsistent reporting of ethical review and independent ethical reasoning limits transparency and complicates editorial assessment. This article proposes a practical framework to improve ethical reporting and justification across disciplines. Centered on 3 guiding principles: transparency, harm–benefit analysis, and proportionality, it defines 4 core elements of ethical reporting applicable to both human and animal research. The framework also provides illustrative scenarios to help authors, reviewers, and editors navigate ethically complex situations such as clinical interventions, imaging procedures, and secondary data use. By promoting explicit reflection beyond regulatory compliance, this guidance aims to enhance consistency, fairness, and public trust in behavioral and welfare research, reinforcing JVB's leadership in responsible publication practice.