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Animals In Research
SOT Guiding Principles in the Use of Animals in Toxicology
- The use, care and transportation of animals for
training and for toxicological research and testing for the purpose
of protecting human and animal health and the environment must comply
with all applicable animal welfare laws.
- 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.
- 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.
- All reasonable steps should be taken to avoid
or minimize discomfort, distress or pain of animals.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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]
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