AVMA emphasizes responsible stewardship of laboratory animals

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White mouseThe AVMA has revised the policy “Use of Animals in Research, Testing, and Education” to balance the emphasis placed on the importance of animal-based research with the corresponding duty to provide responsible stewardship for animals used in the laboratory.

The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting April 5-6, approved revisions to the policy recommended by the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee.

The first paragraph of the policy now states: "The AVMA recognizes that animals have an important role in research, testing, and education for continued improvement of human and animal health and welfare. The use of animals in research, testing, and education is a privilege carrying with it unique professional, scientific, and moral obligations, and ethical responsibilities. The AVMA encourages proper care of all animals, and supports the judicious use of animals in meaningful research, testing, and education programs."

Language describing the need for oversight of animal welfare and for regulatory compliance has been clarified and harmonized with other AVMA policies.

The policy was developed with the assistance of representatives of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine and the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners.

Related JAVMA content:

Animal research helps pets, too (Jan. 15, 2018)

50 years later, animal welfare act is a work in progress (Oct. 1, 2016)