
Laboratory animals

Contemporary research in the life sciences, particularly in biomedicine, involves experimentation on large numbers of live animals. Global estimates indicate that between 100 and 200 million animals are used every year for experimentation. The animals on which experiments are performed are sometimes subjected to distressing or painful procedures. They are often housed in ways that limit their freedom, and nearly all of them are killed when the experiment comes to an end.
The overwhelming majority of these animals are vertebrates with highly developed nervous systems. They cannot, of course, consent to their own participation in research. Nor do they, as individuals, stand to benefit from such participation. These facts present both the scientific community and society in general with a question: Are we as human beings morally justified in treating animals this way?
Below you will find a variety of publications about laboratory animal ethics and welfare. They are also sorted within the categories listed in the left menu bar.
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Examining compliance with ethical standards for animal research - is there a need for refinement?

Researchers' attitudes to the 3Rs

Harm–benefit analysis – what is the added value? A review of alternative strategies for weighing harms and benefits as part of the assessment of animal research

Protecting Animals and Enabling Research in the European Union: An Overview of Development and Implementation of Directive 2010/63/EU

A matter of importance: Considering benefit in animal ethics review

Harms to animals – Can we agree on how best to limit them?

Is it acceptable to use animals to model obese humans? A critical discussion of two arguments against the use of animals in obesity research

Painful dilemmas: A study of the way the public’s assessment of animal research balances costs to animals against human benefits
