This statement was developed by representatives
of the constituent societies of the Federation of American Societies
for Experimental Biology at a consensus conference held June 9–10, 1994:
The Federation of American
Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) affirms the essential
contribution of animals in research and education aimed at improving
the health of both humans and animals. The role of animals remains
critical in understanding the fundamental processes of life, and
in developing treatments for injury and disease. Members of the
constituent Societies of FASEB believe that the use of animals
in research and education is a privilege. This imposes a major
responsibility to provide for their proper care and humane treatment.
Good animal care and good science go hand-in-hand.
Therefore, the members of the constituent Societies of the
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology support
the following principles:
All work with animals shall be designed and performed in consideration
of its relevance to the improvement of human or animal health
and the advancement of knowledge for the good of society.
The acquisition, care and use of animals must be in accordance
with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Each institution is responsible for providing a review procedure
to assure that the use of animals in research and education conforms
to the highest ethical, humane and scientific standards.
The minimum number of appropriate animals required to obtain
valid results should be used. Good science demands judicious choices
of appropriate methods, such as animals, computer simulations,
or tissue and cell cultures.
Animals shall be housed and maintained under conditions appropriate
to their species. Veterinary medical care shall be available.
Provision 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 animals receive sedation, analgesia or anesthesia when appropriate.
Animals should not be permitted to suffer severe or chronic pain
or distress unnecessarily; such animals should be euthanized.
In supporting these principles, it becomes the responsibility
of the members of the Constituent Societies of FASEB to educate
the public about the role of animals in understanding life processes
and disease, and their vital contribution to human and animal
health.
Adopted by the American Physiological Society Council, November
1994