5. An ethical basis for using animals for research, teaching and education10

5.1 The moral issue of experimentation on humans and animals
Progress with medical and biological successes is based on research which ultimately must rest in part on experimentation involving human and animal subjects. The overriding ethical and legal constraints on invasive, potentially harmful and exploitative studies on humans regrettably necessitate a limited use of animal subjects, provided that this does not cause unnecessary suffering in the form of deprivation, fear, stress, distress and pain which may endure. Such conditions are addressed by refinement strategies to ameliorate them as far as it is possible to do so.

5.2 Present needs
Presently there is a continuing need for some animal experiments in both applied research and basic research aimed at extending human knowledge and heightening man's capacity to control his circumstances and protect human welfare. Some toxicological testing in animals is also still essential for medicine development and for the protection of consumers. This form of research often provides critical information that cannot be acquired from any other source or by any other means. However, likely adverse toxic or other effects on animals should be predicted. Where possible, they should be anticipated, and in the event of any observed adverse reaction, animal studies should be terminated at the earliest time so as to avoid unnecessary discomfort or suffering.

6. Human obligations and duties

6.1 Proper regulation of laboratory animal use
Animal users and institutional managements should strive for the best regulation of laboratory animal use at both an institutional and statutory level. They should see that animal welfare regulations and operational codes and practices are properly adhered to.

6.2 Public information
The availability to the public of regularly updated and good-quality information on what animal experiments are undertaken and why they are undertaken is vital to create circumstances in which the issue of animal experimentation can be productively discussed and debated.

6.3 Replacement of use of animals in research and education
With the rapid advances in science and technology there is increasing scope for the scientific community to contribute towards the development of non-animal methods of scientific investigation and teaching. It must be recognised that the ethical imperative of the 'replacement' component of the three Rs principles is a primary challenge in every animal use procedure, and forms a critical part of the analysis in the ethical review process.