Federal regulation of experimental animal use in the United States of America.
The author outlines the regulation of animal experimentation in the United States of America (USA). Regulation in this field is at the developmental stage; issues are still being defined as public interest in animal welfare focuses on various aspects of animal science. Society continues to initiate regulations for animal experimentation in response to technological advances which were unknown when the first USA Federal legislation in this field (the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act) was signed in 1966. Under the sponsorship of animal welfare activists and, more recently, animal rights advocates, amendments to the 1966 law have increased the scope of Federal authority by extending both the number of species covered and the areas of care which are regulated. A greater awareness has evolved of the issues raised by animal experimentation, both among the general public and within the scientific communities. The importance of the Institutional Animal and Care Use Committees in research facilities is described, together with other factors which affect Federal legislation. Government regulatory philosophy is also changing towards a participatory relationship between regulators and public interest groups. Various affiliations to global and regional organisations have heightened national awareness with regard to the perceived exploitation of animal species. The author demonstrates clearly that the prevailing trend in the USA is towards expanded agreements which are jointly derived and implemented, and which will be instrumental in the search for resolutions. The author concludes that these resolutions will continue to revolve around the ethical need to respect the nature of animal species and the need for knowledge concerning both humans and animals which can help to extend and enhance the quality of life.
Schwindaman
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United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Hyattsville MD 20782.
D000698:Analgesia / Q000662:veterinary; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000662:veterinary; D017087:Animal Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory; D012106:Research / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States