APS Guiding Principles for the Care and
Use of Animals.
Approved by the Council of The American Physiological Society
(1)
Animal experiments are to be undertaken only with the purpose of advancing
knowledge. Consideration should be given to the appropriateness of experimental
procedures, species of animals used, and number of animals required.
Only animals that are lawfully acquired shall be used in laboratory research,
and their retention and use shall be in every case in compliance with federal,
state and local laws and regulations, and in accordance with the Institute for
Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR) Guide
for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (2).
Animals used in research and education must receive every consideration for
their comfort; they must be properly housed, fed, and their surroundings kept in
sanitary conditions.
The use of animals must be in
accordance with the ILAR Guide
for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Appropriate anesthetics must be
used to eliminate sensibility to pain during all surgical procedures. Drugs that
produce muscle paralysis are not anesthetics and they must not be used alone for
surgical restraint, but may be used in conjunction with drugs known to produce
adequate anesthesia. The care and use of animals shall be such as to minimize
discomfort and pain. All measures to minimize pain and distress that would not
compromise experimental results may be employed.
If the study requires the death of an animal, the most humane euthanasia
method consistent with the study must be used.
When animals are used by students for their education or the advancements of
science, such work shall be under the direct supervision of an experienced
teacher or investigator.
(1) The Guiding Principles for the Care and Use of Animals are based on
principles formulated by Walter B. Cannon in 1909. The APS Council first adopted
them in 1953. Latest revision approved July 2000.
(2) Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR). Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory
Animals. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1996.
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