Chapter 18. Animal Experimentation in Biomedical Research

Summary

Discussion is focussed on vertebrates, especially mammals. Differences between ourselves and such animals are a matter for debate but we certainly cannot claim that other animals do not suffer. Indeed, there has been growing awareness of animal welfare issues for several centuries. Despite this we continue to use vertebrates in many ways including biomedical research and safety testing of new drugs (required by law). Many advances in bio/medicine over the past 500 years could not have been made without using animals. In the UK all ‘procedures’ carried out on vertebrates are licensed by the Home Office, balancing carefully the possibility of suffering against potential benefits. Over 80% of the vertebrates used are rats and mice, specially bred for laboratory work. However, scientists also continue to attempt to refine experiments to decrease suffering, to reduce the number of animals used and to use where possible, appropriate replacements for animal experiments.