|
SOT Guiding Principles in the Use of Animals in Toxicology
1.
The use, care and transportation of animals for toxicological
research, training, and testing for the purpose of protecting human and animal health
and the environment must comply with all applicable animal welfare laws.
2. When scientifically
appropriate, alternative procedures that reduce the number of animals used,
refine the use of whole animals or replace whole animals (e.g., in vitro
models, invertebrate organisms) should be considered.
3. For research
requiring the use of animals, the species should be carefully selected and
the number of animals kept to the minimum required to achieve scientifically
valid results.
4. All reasonable
steps should be taken to avoid or minimize discomfort, distress or pain of
animals.
5. Appropriate
aseptic technique, anesthesia and postoperative analgesia should be provided
if a surgical procedure is required. Muscle relaxants or paralytics are not
to be used in place of anesthetics.
6. Care and handling
of all animals used for research purposes must be directed by veterinarians
or other individuals trained and experienced in the proper care, handling
and use of the species being maintained or studied. Veterinary care is to
be provided in a timely manner when needed.
7. Investigators
and other personnel shall be qualified and trained appropriately for conducting
procedures on living animals, including training in the proper and humane
care and use of laboratory animals.
8. Protocols involving
the use of animals are to be reviewed and approved by an institutional animal
care and use committee before being initiated. The composition and function
of the committee shall be in compliance with applicable animal welfare laws,
regulations, guidelines and policies.
9. Euthanasia
shall be conducted according to the most current guidelines of the American
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Panel on Euthanasia or similar bodies
in different countries.
Adopted
by the Society of Toxicology March 1999
Printable Flyer
(pdf format)
[Necessity of Animal Research]
[Reliability of Animal Data]
[Commitment
to ResponsibleTreatment] [Advancing Valid Alternatives]
[Position Statement]
[Guiding
Principles] [Further Information] [Selected
References]
[Public Policy Statement] [Download
Printable Brochure]
|
About SOT
