Position Statements

Use of Animals in Science

May 28, 2021

This position statement clarifies the role of veterinarians engaged in the care of animals in science. The expression ‘animals in science’ extends to research, teaching and testing.

Position

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) recognises that animals play an important role in scientific advancement.  Science involving animals must be conducted within an ethical framework (including the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement) and in compliance with animal welfare guidelines and provincial and federal legislation.  It must also have the potential to contribute to the understanding of biological principles, or to the development of knowledge and skills that can reasonably be expected to benefit humans, animals or the environment.

Summary

  • An ethical framework and a regulatory regime [or environment] must define the context for the use of animals in science
  • A comprehensive, well-funded, legally binding regulatory framework applicable to the public and private sectors must be developed and empowered to safeguard animal welfare and scientific integrity.
  • Veterinarians and veterinary designates with specialized training in laboratory animal medicine play an important role in assuring the physical and behavioural well-being of animals in science.
  • The welfare of animals in science is a paramount concern and the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement and should be applied at all times.  When work with animals is necessary, methods and approaches that minimize fear, pain and suffering must be used.

Background

  1. Research and education involving animals must be conducted within an ethical framework and a regulatory environment (1-4). It must also have the potential to contribute to the understanding of biological principles, or to the development of knowledge and skills that can reasonably be expected to benefit humans, animals, or the environment.
  2. In science, the most humane methods and the smallest number of animals required to obtain valid information must always be employed. Alternatives to animal models should be used when such models are available (1,5). When work with animals is necessary, methods and approaches that minimize fear, pain and suffering must be used (1).
  3. The CVMA recognizes and supports the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) mandated provision that primary care to animals in science must be by individuals who are educated and experienced in the requirements of animals and in particular, in the recognition of species-specific pain and suffering (1).
  4. Veterinarians are trained and committed to the prevention and alleviation of pain and suffering in animals and in the enhancement of their physical and behavioural well-being. Veterinarians working with animals in science must obtain advanced training (e.g. laboratory animal medicine) (5,6) and be committed to the responsible application of best veterinary practices in animal experimentation. Veterinarians provide a leadership role in all matters relating to the welfare of animals in science (6). 
  5. The Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Medicine (CALAM/ACMAL) Standards of Veterinary Care (6) serve as a framework for the implementation and delivery of veterinary care in academic, government, and private teaching, testing and research institutions in Canada.
  6. Veterinarians (or veterinary designates including registered veterinary technicians with training in laboratory animal technology) (6) play an important role within research teams. They should ensure that work with animals employs the most humane methodology to prevent harm that is avoidable and the lowest number of animals required to obtain valid information (1,5).
  7. The CCAC lists five categories of invasiveness in animal experimentation (A-E) ranging from the use of cell cultures to procedures which cause severe pain near, at or above the pain tolerance threshold of unanesthetized, conscious animals (1).  The need for oversight and engagement by specially trained and experienced veterinarians or veterinary designates increases relative to the degree of invasiveness and the risk to animal health and well-being.  The CVMA holds that the highest category of invasiveness (E) would require not only compelling justification (1,7) but also rigorous veterinary oversight (1,6). 
  8. Veterinarians involved in the care of animals in science must be knowledgeable about the Canadian Council on Animal Care, its policies, guidelines, and standards (1), and where applicable, provincial and federal legislation in order to properly support institutional Animal Care Committees in carrying out their mandate (2-4).  In this way, veterinarians contribute to the advancement of both animal welfare and science that is conducted for the benefit of Canadian society (1,6).
  9. The CVMA advocates for an expansion of the role for the CCAC in setting, maintaining, and overseeing the implementation of high standards for animal ethics and animal care to all Canadian establishments engaged with animals in science, whether public or private (8). 
  10. The CVMA endorses the incorporation by reference of CCAC standards, guidelines and policies in provincial and federal statutes.  CVMA recognizes and affirms the need for a stable and secure funding foundation for the CCAC to conduct its work.

References

  1. Canadian Council on Animal Care. Standards and Guidelines. Available from : https://www.ccac.ca/en/standards/guidelines/. Last accessed October 2nd, 2020.
  2. Canadian Council on Animal Care. Facts and Legislation. Available from :  http://ccac.ca/en/facts-and-legislation/Canadian-legislation-and-policies. Last accessed October 2nd, 2020.
  3. Canadian Council on Animal Care. Provincial Information. Available from:  http://ccac.ca/en/facts-and-legislation/Canadian-legislation-and-policies/provincial-information.html. Last accessed October 2nd, 2020.
  4. Criminal Code of Canada, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46 as amended 2020-07-21. Available from: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/. Last accessed October 2nd, 2020.
  5. Russel WMs, Burch RL. The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique (1959).  Available from: https://caat.jhsph.edu/principles/the-principles-of-humane-experimental-technique. Last accessed October 2nd, 2020.
  6. Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine (CALAM/ACMAL). Standards of Veterinary Care (2020). Available from https://www.calam-acmal.org/resources/Documents/CALAM-ACMAL%20STANDARDS%20OF%20VETERINARY%20CARE.pdf. Last accessed October 2nd, 2020.
  7. World Organization for Animal Health, Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2019). Available from: https://www.oie.int/en/standard-setting/terrestrial-code/access-online/. Last accessed October 2nd, 2020.
  8. Griffin G, Locke P. Comparison of the Canadian and US laws, regulations, policies, and systems of oversight for animals in research. ILAR J. 2017;57:271-284. doi:10.1093/ilar/ilw037. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/ilarjournal/article/57/3/271/3796593. Last accessed October 2nd, 2020.

Additional Reading

  1. Griffin G, MacArthur Clark J, Zurlo J, Ritskes-Hoitinga M.  Scientific uses of animals: Harm benefit analysis and complementary approaches to implementing the 3 Rs. Rev. Sci. Tech.Off. Int Epiz. 2014;33:265-272. Available from: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/af46/2857af9d4dc6c51371e22e7f8dabf6917780.pdf. Last accessed October 2nd, 2020.
  2. Bayne K, Bayvel D, MacArthur Clark J, et al. Harmonizing veterinary training and qualifications in laboratory animal medicine: A global perspective. ILAR Journal, 2011;52:393-403. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235402089_Harmonizing_Veterinary_Training_and_Qualifications_in_Laboratory_Animal_Medicine_A_Global_Perspective. Last accessed October 2nd, 2020.