Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes

Position

"The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) recognizes the value of using animals for scientific purposes to improve the overall well-being of humans, animals, and the environment, when there are no scientifically acceptable replacements, and when the studies have been shown to be scientifically, pedagogically, and ethically justified. Appropriately trained veterinarians must oversee institutional animal care and use programs including welfare of the animals.. The CVMA supports the use of the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine (CALAM) Standards of Veterinary Care (1) as a framework for the implementation and delivery of veterinary care in academic, government and private research institutions using animals in Canada. The CVMA also strongly supports the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) program (2), which oversees the use of animals in science, including laboratory animals, agricultural animals as well as wild animals.  The conduct of animal-based studies should be carried out in accordance with CCAC guidelines and policies by qualified personnel and, where applicable, in institutions holding a valid CCAC Certificate of Good Animal Practice®.” 

Background

As members of a caring profession, veterinarians are trained to prevent pain and suffering in animals and to enhance their physical and behavioural well-being. The use of animals for scientific purposes may have harmful consequences for the animals, depending on the scientific goals of the study. Veterinarians working in this field must demonstrate commitment to responsible animal use and provide a leadership role in all matters relating to animal physical and psychological well-being. They should be knowledgeable about animal well-being and should work to improve existing standards, and re-evaluate conventional teaching or research methods to further implement the Russell and Burch tenet (3) of the “3 Rs” (Reduction, Refinement, Replacement).  Veterinarians are critical members of research teams.  They should work with investigators to ensure that animals are only used for scientific purposes where replacements are not available.  They should also work with investigators to ensure that those using animals employ the most humane methods on the smallest number of animals required to obtain valid information. In addition, veterinarians should be conversant with CCAC policies, guidelines, recommendations and, where applicable, provincial and federal legislation affecting the use of animals in science so that they may support institutional Animal Care Committees to carry out their mandate.

References

1. Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine (CALAM/ACMAL) Standards of Veterinary Care http://www.uwo.ca/animal/website/CALAM/

2. Canadian Council on Animal Care http://www.ccac.ca/

3. Russell WMS & Burch RL (1959) Principles of Humane Experimental Technique http://altweb.jhsph.edu/publications/humane_exp/het-toc.htm

(Revised June 2008)