Bioscience Briefing
For info about biomedical funding, animal research and other bioscience issues, click here.
Legislation Watch
So-called "Pet Safety Bills" don't protect pets but they do pose a threat to medical research. More information
Science Policy Announcements
For the latest news from the APS Science Policy click here.
Resource Book Now Available
Click here for more info on The APS Resource Book for the Design of Animal Exercise Protocols.
APS Position Statements
FASEB Statement of Principles for the Use of Animals in Research and Education
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
Back to Top