ORI Introduction to RCR: Chapter 4. The Welfare of Laboratory Animals
US Government Principles for the Utilization and Care
of Vertebrate Animals Use in Testing, Research and Training
[Researchers should:]
- follow the rules and regulations for the transportation, care, and use of animals;
- design and perform research with consideration of relevance to human or animal health, the advancement of knowledge, or the good of society;
- use appropriate species, quality, and the minimum number of animals to obtain valid results, and consider non-animal models;
- avoid or minimize pain, discomfort, and distress when consistent with sound scientific practices;
- use appropriate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia;
- painlessly kill animals that will suffer severe or chronic pain or distress that cannot be relieved;
- feed and house animals appropriately and provide veterinary care as indicated;
- assure that everyone who is responsible for the care and treatment of animals during the research is appropriately qualified and trained; and
- defer any exceptions to these principles to the appropriate IACUC. (Link)
