Animal Ethics

Animal Welfare Movement Started in Great Britain – they are the leaders of the movement. Founded the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1824. Cruelty to Animals Act was passed in 1876 and this regulated animal experimentation

Needless Suffering Most believe that animals and humans are not morally equivalent, but animals should not suffer needlessly. A research institution that receives money from the public is responsible for conducting research according to the limits set by society.

Animal Welfare Act 1960’s – Public concern over conditions of research animals and fears of pets being stolen and sold into research. This led to the passage of the Animal Welfare Act in 1966. Regulates use of animals, lists standards for humane care and treatment and regulates transportation Birds, Rate, Mice and Agriculture Production animals are exempt

Public Health Service Policy Covers all species of animals including birds, mice, and rats. Must submit written documentation.

Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Developed in 1963 Manual for research facilities receiving public funding for research using animals. A guide specific to agriculture animals.

AAALAC Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. Accredits Labs through process of intensive inspection. Voluntary, but represents a commitment to excellence in animal care.

Pain Pain is not fully understood in animals. How pain is perceived by an animal is difficult to know, however the AWA defines a painful procedure as “any procedure that would reasonably be expected to cause more pain that slight or momentary pain or distress in a human being to which that procedure was applied.

Signs of Acute Pain Vocalization Attempts to escape the stimulus Aggressive responses Increased heart rate Anorexia or shaking

Signs of Chronic Pain Weight loss Poor or unkempt hair coats Depression or lethargy General debilitation

Distress A state in which an animal cannot escape from or adapt to the external or internal stressors or conditions it experiences resulting in negative effects upon its well being…

The 3 R’s Replacement – Can another animal be used for this? Fruit fly…??? Reduction – of the number of animals used Refinement – Use of anesthetics and analgesics to minimize pain.

Classes of Pain Class A – Momentary or slight pain and distress. No pain relieving measure are used. Animals that are euthanized and then tissues are used. Minor Injections

Classes of Pain Class B Undergoing procedures with the potential to cause pain and distress, but appropriate pain relieving measures are used. Anesthesia, tranquilizers. Surgical Procedures, even a non-survival surgery.

Classes of Pain Class C Undergoing pain and distress which is not relieved by appropriate anesthesia or other treatment If it will interfere with the research pain and distress may not be addressed.

Relief Anesthesia Administration Pain Relievers Surgery Euthanasia

Husbandry and Housing Environment in which the animal lives has a significant impact on its health. Cage Space Temperature Humidity Ventilation Food and water frequency Sanitation Practices Social Behavior