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APS Position Statements
Random source dogs and cats in medical research[1]
Dogs and cats are important subjects for medical and veterinary research, training, and testing. The numbers of dogs and cats needed in biomedical research has decreased in recent years, but these animals remain critical for health research to alleviate serious and life-threatening conditions that afflict humans and animals. While most of these animals are specifically bred for research, some non-purpose bred or “random source” dogs and cats are also needed because they exhibit traits that are difficult to replicate in purpose-bred animals. These traits include advanced age, pre-existing health conditions, and exposure to viruses, allergens, or parasites.
In its report Scientific and Humane Issues in the Use of Random Source Dogs and Cats in Research[2], the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) found strong evidence of an ongoing need for random source dogs and cats in several important areas of biomedical research. At the same time, the NAS report found evidence that a small number of USDA-licensed Class B dog and cat dealers had a history of recurrent Animal Welfare Act violations.[3] The panel therefore recommended that researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health obtain random source dogs and cats from other suppliers, e.g., Class A breeders, animal control facilities, hobby breeders, and individuals willing to donate animals for research. However, the panel recognized that these alternate suppliers may be unable to provide the animals needed so it also recommended that Congress provide supplemental funds to assist the National Institutes of Health in identifying and/or developing new sources to replace Class B dealers.
The NAS report focused narrowly on NIH-funded biomedical research and did not address other needs for random source dogs and cats, such as the development and testing of animal health products and medical devices, medical research funded by entities other than the NIH, and medical and veterinary training. Therefore, in addition to whatever steps NIH may take to meet the needs of its funded investigators, other provisions must be made to ensure that needs for random source dogs and cats in other fields can also be met.
The American Physiological Society endorses the recommendation of the NAS report that alternate vendors replace Class B dealer sales of random source dogs and cats. Immediate actions are required to ensure that random source dogs and cats remain available so that all medical and veterinary research, teaching, and testing endeavors that require these animals may continue without disruption.
[1] Approved by the American Physiological Society Council on October 26, 2009
[2] NRC (National Research Council) Scientific and Humane Issues in the Use of Random Source Dogs and Cats in Research. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2009.
[3] The NAS report criticized the practices of certain Class B dealers who provide live dogs and cats for medical research. Its criticisms were not directed at Class B dealers who provide preserved dog and cat carcasses for veterinary education or any other Class B dealers.