RAMB - Novembro 2017

nimal

experimentation

: A

look

into

ethics

welfare

and

alternative

methods

ssoc

ras

2017; 63(11):923-928

927

technology and science advances pertaining to laborato-

ry animals. Currently, animal sensitivity is known to be

similar to that of humans in regards to pain, memory,

anguish and survival instinct.

For this reason, it is the

investigator’s responsibility to monitor the animals op-

erated on and recognize the signs of distress. There is no

justification for the absence of analgesia in those animals

undergoing invasive experimental surgery.

Scientists are accountable for providing high-quality

care to laboratory animals, such as easy access to water

and a nutritious diet; prevention of and relief from pain,

injury and disease; and appropriate housing for the spe-

cies.

Conducting research is not permitted in cases where

the damage to the animal is greater than the gain in knowl-

edge, since no scientific advance can be justified based on

the suffering of other living beings.

In addition to en-

suring animal welfare, researchers must comply with the

relevant legislation. Also, it is their responsibility to inquire

about the subject.

A clear legislation is mandatory, as well as conducting

well-delineated research.

Whenever animal experimen-

tation is involved, it is necessary to invest time in appro-

priately designing the project in order to justify the eth-

ical argument for carrying out the scientific investigation,

especially when determining the number of animals

needed for ensuring reproducible results.

One should perform all experiments ethically and

with a justification, not abusing one’s human right over

animals and in such a manner as to avoid their suffering.

It is important that the use of animal testing be discussed

especially in universities, from where future researchers

will emerge.

Scientists should make the best of their knowledge

and experience so they can share with the general public

the reasons why animal studies are important for scien-

tific breakthroughs. All institutions engaged in animal

research also have a moral obligation to play a more active

role than they are currently doing in fostering education

and maintaining a dialog with the general public. They

should not only promote the evidence, but also share how

they conduct their research and provide care to the animals

involved.

7,9,12

inal

considerations

It is evident that the use of animals in both research and

teaching has offered great contributions, especially to

health sciences as they allowed for many important

discoveries, such as the development of new drugs and

treatments, as well as the understanding of certain bi-

ological phenomena. However, activists fighting against

this type of activity are still present, always emphasizing

animal welfare and preventing cases of cruelty from

against them.

5,6

The principle of the 3Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine)

represents great progress in favor of the animals.

In spite

of that, it is necessary to think in an integrative manner,

since reducing the number of animals would be pointless

if the tests being carried out are of little significance, there-

by invalidating the experiment as a whole. Similarly, there

would be no use in reducing the number of animals with-

out considering their suffering. This theory seeks full

replacement of animal experimentation with alternative

models. Nevertheless, it is still hard to imagine certain

scientific research projects that involve more complex

systems without using this resource.

2,3

Before beginning any experiment, the researcher should

be familiar with the particularities of the species, as well as

thoroughly plan the research project in order to avoid

unnecessary use of living animals. It is also the researcher’s

responsibility to provide the animals with adequate hous-

ing conditions so as to ensure their welfare and avoid any

kind of pain, suffering and stress. Environmental enrich-

ment is a way towards achieving this goal. Stress, in addition

to affecting the behavior and physiology of the species,

ends up interfering with the reliability of the research.

6,8,12,13

The experiments must be performed in an ethical

manner and be justified, in such a way so as to avoid caus-

ing pain, suffering and stress to the animals during the

research.

Whenever possible, alternative methods to

using living animals should be chosen, such as in vitro

testing, cadaveric studies, and computer simulations.

onclusion

The use of animals, both in teaching and research, still

raises many controversies. Still, it cannot be denied that

various substances that are essential to human health,

such as medicines and vaccines, have been and will con-

tinue to be developed thanks to these experiments.

One must take into consideration the cost-benefit

ratio of this type of scientific study, since animals are

sentient beings and should not be used unnecessarily.

Investigators are accountable for watching over the welfare

of these laboratory animals, avoiding any kind of pain

and suffering. Additionally, alternative methods should

be used whenever possible.

Whenever necessary, either following the termination

of experiments or during any of their stages, painless

euthanasia of the animals is recommended, with a rapid

loss of consciousness and followed by cardiorespiratory

arrest and damage to the brain function.