Q: How can we learn from biomedical research using animals?

A: Each species in the animal kingdom is unique. But just as there are differences, there are also key similarities. Scientists use both similarities and differences to gain insight into the many different human biological systems.

Scientists often work with animal models that have biological systems similar to that of a human. For instance, pigs and humans share similar cardiovascular systems. By working with pigs, scientists are better able to develop and study new heart medicines. To study genetic disorders such as Down syndrome or Parkinson’s disease, researchers might study a mouse model, which shares 98% of its DNA with humans!

The differences exhibited in a research model can also provide great insight.   For instance, sharks are immune to cancer. By studying their biological system, scientists hope to understand what mechanism prohibits shark cells from mutating into cancer cells, and from this information, create a medicine that mimics that mechanism to prevent cancerous cells from forming in humans and animals.

Q: Do animals in research suffer?

A: One of the most important but unknown facts about animal research is that just like your own pet's veterinarian, there are research veterinarians, husbandry specialists and animal health technicians - people who care deeply for animals - on the front lines of research, ensuring the animals receive the highest quality of care. They work directly with the scientists to minimize any animal pain or stress, two factors that affect the welfare of the animals as well as the quality of the data obtained from the study.

Animal welfare laws, such as those listed in the U.S. Animal Welfare Act (AWA), require that veterinary care, housing, feeding, handling, sanitation and ventilation are provided to animals involved in research. 

To further protect animals in research, institutions are required to have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).  IACUCs approve and review research protocols, ensure that anesthesia and postoperative painkillers are used when appropriate, and that alternatives to animal research are sought out and implemented whenever possible.

Many institutions go above and beyond existing laws and take the next step in humane care by seeking accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC). By adhering to a strict set of guidelines, institutions with AAALAC accreditation further ensure the welfare of their research animals.

Q: Why do veterinarians and other laboratory animal care professionals participate in animal research?

A: Those who are involved in animal-based research understand that animals are a vital cornerstone of medical progress. These professionals work diligently to advocate for the welfare and care of their animals. By participating in research, they are able to ensure the minimization of animal pain and distress while facilitating the continuation of medical progress.

Q: What happens to the animals?

A: Almost all the animals involved in research studies are eventually euthanized.  This allows scientists to answer scientific questions at a microscopic level, providing them with information that may help formulate new medical treatments and cures. By using the methods put forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), scientists ensure a humane endpoint for the animals they use in their research.

Q: Why are there increasing numbers of mice and fish used in research?

A: It is important to note that more than 95% of all animals used in biomedical research are rodents. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the number of research animals that are covered under the Animal Welfare Act (all animals except rats, mice and birds) have decreased by over 33% since 1973.  This is largely because of scientists’ quest for alternatives to animal-based research. In some of the smaller species, such as mice and zebrafish, the numbers have increased due to the development of transgenic research. In this type of research, scientists are able to identify and produce specific breeding characteristics, enabling them to pinpoint and study a particular gene deficiency or trait.

Q: Why can’t alternatives like computers replace animals?

A: In many cases they have, but while computers provide fantastic resources to scientists all over the world, they do have limitations. For instance, computers are only able to provide information or models of known “phenomenon.” Because research consistently seeks answers to unknowns, a computer is unable to simulate how a particular cell might interact or react with a medical compound, or for example, how a particular human system such as the circulatory system will react to a new drug directed to improve organ functionality.

A single living cell is many times more complex than even the most sophisticated computer program. There are an estimated 50 -100 trillion cells in the human body, all of which communicate and interact using a complicated biochemical language –  language scientists have only just begun to learn. To fully understand the effect of a new chemical, such as a new medicine, scientists must use whole systems, like those in animals, to understand the impact of a drug and the potential benefits and possible harms they pose to humans and animals.

Federal law requires that all new drugs, medical devices and procedures first be tested on animals for safety and efficacy before clinical (human) trials can commence.

Q: Do we have the right to use animals? What about their rights?

A: As living beings with a conscience, we cannot ignore either human or animal suffering.  Not only humans, but also animals - pets, livestock and wildlife - benefit from animal-based research.  Laboratory animal care professionals provide research animals with a clean environment, food, water and ensure that they are exposed to minimal distress or suffering.

Q: Do scientists conduct animal experiments for profit motives?

A: Doctors, scientists and laboratory animal professionals are involved in research because they recognize the limitations in our ability to prevent, diagnose, and cure disease in humans and animals. Biomedical research is a noble profession. Many in the field could make more money following other career paths.

It’s important to note that animal research is extremely expensive and requires a tremendous investment in well-trained people and special facilities. It is also heavily regulated, requiring an institution to spend a significant amount of time and expense to ensure that all applicable regulations and guidelines are met. Conducting animal-based research is not something that institutions undertake without a great deal of thought.

Q: Why test on animals when “cruelty free” products are available?

A: The law requires animal testing on all new chemical compounds and it is important to understand what “cruelty free” labels really mean. By definition anyone can use the “cruelty free” label if:

1 - As the distributing manufacturer they have not tested the product on animals.

A company can still use the "cruelty-free" label if they send their product to another vendor to be tested on animals.

2 - Some (but not all) components of the product have been tested on animals.
In some cases products that have been previously tested on animals and have been found safe can be used by other companies and marketed as “cruelty free.”

Q: How can we be sure lost or stolen pets are not used in research?

A: Over 80% of the animals used in today’s research are “purpose bred” (i.e. bred specifically for research purposes). Those not specifically created for research come from licensed Class B animal dealers that are regulated and inspected by the USDA, or from pounds where animals would have otherwise been euthanized. As part of the regulatory system, the USDA mandates that animals procured from pounds must be held on the pound’s premises for five days and on the dealer’s premises for an additional five to ten days. With a combined holding period of 10 to 15 days, owners have ample time to locate lost pets and shelters to find new homes for unwanted animals. Pet owners have a responsibility to make sure their animals can be easily identified and returned if lost – through collars with tags, tattoos or microchips.