Question

What does the Ethics Code say about the care and termination of animals in research?

1) Termination of animals in research is prohibited.
2) It is unethical to use animals in research.
3) If the animal's life must be terminated, it should be done as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
4) Termination of animals in research is permissible if the study has "prospective scientific value."

Answer 1

The ethics code allows for the termination of animals in research, provided it is done humanely and painlessly, and that the research meets rigorous ethical standards. The NIH and AWA provide guidelines for animal research, including the minimization of pain and the three R's principle: replace, refine, and reduce.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ethics of Animal Research Termination

The ethics code concerning the care and termination of animals in research is multifaceted. Termination of animals in research is not inherently prohibited; however, there are strict guidelines that researchers must follow. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) both provide comprehensive regulations that dictate the humane treatment of animals in research environments. One of the key tenets of these regulations is the minimization of pain and distress to animals. In cases where an animal’s life must be terminated, the procedure should be done as quickly and as painlessly as possible.

Researchers are required to design experiments that minimize pain and consider alternatives to animal testing whenever possible. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for the oversight and evaluation of animal research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met, including the justification for the use of animals, the absence of unnecessary duplication of research, and the minimization of pain and discomfort to animals. It is important to note that there is no blanket stipulation that deems the use of animals in research as unethical; rather, the focus is on ensuring responsible and humane treatment.

The concept of the three R’s: replace, refine, and reduce, is fundamental to the ethical considerations of animal research. These concepts aim at implementing alternative methods whenever possible, refining experimental procedures, and reducing the number of animals required for research purposes. Compliance with these ethical standards is crucial for obtaining funding and conducting lawful research.