Statement on Principles for Use of Animals in Research and Education

FASEB affirms the essential and ongoing contribution of non-human animals in research and education aimed at improving the health of both humans and animals. Animals continue to play a vital role in advancing our understanding of the fundamental processes of life and in developing effective treatments for injury and disease. While computational, in vitro, and other non-animal approaches provide valuable information, they cannot yet show the full complexity of living organisms. These methods complement animal studies, but research involving animals remains essential for keeping science grounded in biological truth. Members of FASEB’s constituent societies believe that the use of animals in research and education, while essential, is a privilege that imposes responsibilities to make appropriate provisions for their proper care and humane treatment. Good animal care is not only a moral imperative but essential to the integrity and reproducibility of science.

Therefore, the following Statement of Principles for the Use of Vertebrate Animals and Cephalopods in Research and Education has been adopted by the FASEB Board:

• Scientists have an obligation to provide sound, evidence-based solutions to questions that affect the health of individuals and the community. Fulfilling this duty requires using the most suitable means and resources available to answer critical research questions, especially when such research leads to scientific discoveries that will save lives and cure disease. Given current knowledge and available technologies, many biomedical research questions cannot be answered without the use of animals, making them a necessary component of scientific inquiry.
• All work with animals shall be designed and performed in consideration of its relevance to the improvement of human or animal health or the advancement of knowledge for the benefit of society. Species selected should have clear biological relevance to the scientific question.
• The acquisition, care, and use of animals must be in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• A review procedure must be in place to ensure that the use of animals in research and education conforms to high ethical, humane, and scientific standards.
• The 3Rs Principle – replacement, reduction, refinement – should be incorporated into the design and conduct of educational activities and research studies involving animals. The use of scientifically validated alternatives, including New Approach Methods (NAMs), is encouraged when available and appropriate.
• Animals must be housed and maintained under conditions appropriate to their species. Veterinary medical care must be available.
• Provisions shall be made for the training and education of all personnel involved in the care and use of animals.
• Sound scientific practice and humane considerations require that any animals exposed to experimental procedures that cause pain or distress receive sedation, analgesia, and/or anesthesia except in rare instances when doing so would negate the research itself.  Humane endpoints should be identified preferably prior to an experimental procedure to prevent or minimize any unintentional pain and/or distress.

In endorsing these principles, FASEB member societies accept the responsibility to communicate clearly and transparently with the public about the role of animals in scientific discovery, the safeguards in place to ensure ethical treatment, and the importance of maintaining an evidence-based and biologically grounded approach to scientific advancement.