The U.S. Animal Welfare Act

Responsible scientists know that good science and good animal care go hand-in-hand, and would not tolerate cruel or inhumane treatment of any laboratory animal. The Animal Welfare Act  (AWA) has set minimum standards for the care of research animals other than rats, birds and mice since 1966. The AWA requires appropriate veterinary care, housing, feeding, handling, sanitation and ventilation for research animals.

The IACUC

The AWA requires that all registered animal research facilities have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).  The IACUC makes sure that when it’s necessary to use animals, it’s done in a humane and responsible way and in accordance with all applicable regulations and guidelines.  Before animals are used in studies, researchers must explain why the use of animals is necessary, and assure the IACUC members that the animals’ discomfort or pain will be minimized and humane care will be administered.  They must also prove that the experiments are not duplicative and that alternatives to animal use have been considered and eliminated as a viable option.

USDA Regulations and PHS Policy

Research facilities are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).   By law, the USDA is required to conduct at least one unannounced inspection per year at every registered research facility.  Institutions found in violation of the AWA and other protocols face financial penalties.   The USDA does have the authority to terminate research projects and can revoke a facility’s registration in the face of grevious violations.  In addition to the regulations established by the USDA, institutions that receive federal funding must also comply with the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

AAALAC Accreditation

In addition to complying with local, state and federal laws that regulate animal research, the vast majority of research institutions in the United States voluntarily seek accreditation from the  Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC).   AAALAC requires research institutions to go above and beyond the minimums required by law and maintain even higher standards for animal care.

Ongoing Training and Education

In addition to complying with multiple, complex layers of regulations and guidelines, many researchers, lab animal veterinarians, and animal caretakers take it upon themselves to regularly participate in continuing education classes.  This training — on topics ranging from the latest animal care techniques to providing enrichment for lab animals — are offered across the country and are well-attended.  AALAS - the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, PRIM&R - Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research, SCAW - Scientists Center for Animal Welfare and  OLAW - NIH's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, are just a few of the organizations providing ongoing training.  

Take a virtual tour of an animal facility - The Coalition for Medical Progress has placed online a detailed look at where animals are housed inside a research institution.