Laboratory Animal Issues
To learn more about lab animal issues, please visit our sister organization, the Foundation for Biomedical Research.
 The Humane Care and Treatment of Laboratory Animals
Virtually every major medical advance of the last century has depended upon research with animals. Data from experiments on humans are obviously the most scientifically reliable; however, in many cases human research is ethically unacceptable. Researchers first must use animals, the living systems most closely related to humans, before humans are asked to participate in experimentation. Animals serve as surrogates in the investigation of human diseases and new ways to treat, cure or prevent them. The health of animals also has improved due to animal research. Read more.
Regulation of Biomedical Research Using Animals
Public polls reveal most people are unaware of the laws and regulations that govern the use of laboratory animals in biomedical research. Lacking this awareness, the average person is more likely to believe erroneous charges of abuse made by those who completely oppose animal research. In fact, scientists who use animals in their work must comply with a comprehensive system of federal, state and local laws and regulations. Read more.
The Use of Animals in Product Safety Testing
Scientists have significantly reduced the number of animals used in product safety testing in recent times. Because this reduction has been possible, animal rights activists would like the public to believe that the use of laboratory animals can be eliminated in this field altogether. It is often claimed that valid alternatives to the use of animal tests already exist to evaluate product safety. This is not true. Read more.
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