AAU Affirms Necessity of
Protecting Research Personnel Conducting Animal Research
Use of Animal Models in Biomedical Research: Challenges and Opportunities
This presentation, given by Dr. Norka Ruiz Bravo, Deputy Director for Extramural Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH) to the Federal Demonstration Partnership, conveys the NIH perspective on the use of animal models in research and the regulations ensuring their humane care and treatment. It also discussed the challenges to the use of animal models faced by the biomedical research community. (Note: Large file, 7MB)
NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare has created a brochure intended to communicate to investigators their responsibilities under PHS Grants Policy and PHS Policy on Humane Care and
Use of Laboratory Animals. What Investigators Need to Know About the Use
of Animals provides a succinct resource for investigators to quickly grasp the main expectations and requirements when using animals in research supported by the PHS.
The American Physiological Society (APS) has published a Resource Book for the Design of Animal Exercise Protocols. This book was developed during series of meetings in 2003 and 2004 involving experts in the fields of exercise physiology and animal research models. It is intended for researchers, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs), and those involved with research oversight. The authoring committee, which was comprised of exercise physiologists and laboratory animal veterinarians, reviewed reference material and drew upon their own experience to compile suggestions about how to design, review, and implement experimental paradigms involving animals and exercise. The APS Resource Book was peer reviewed by other exercise physiologists and laboratory animal veterinarians. The PDF of the book is available online here.
Ads About Animal Research and Paralysis Are Misleading: As described in this release by the Center for Consumer Freedom, the animal rights group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is running a series of ads claiming neuroscientists do not support the use of animals in paralysis research. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), this is a total misrepresentation of neurosurgery’s position in this area. An AANS statement in support of animal research may be found here, and a similar statement from the Society for Neuroscience can be found here.
FBR has launched an illegal incidents report site, a record of all known criminal activities committed since 1981 in the name of "animal rights." Both raw data and summaries of recent trends are available. The number, severity, and scope of attacks are increasing, according to FBR's President.
NABR Launches
Animal Law Web Site: NABR is very
pleased to announce the launch of our new Web site, the NABR
Animal Law Web Site. Animal activists and animal rights
lawyers have stepped up the campaign to change existing laws
as they relate to animals. This campaign involves
legislative initiatives at the state and federal level and
the establishment of new common law through the courts.
These initiatives have the potential to profoundly
affect animal research. NABR believes the biomedical
research community should better understand existing laws
affecting animals as well as the many new legal challenges
and theories advocated by animal rights lawyers and
activists.
Americans for Medical
Progress: "Our web site is designed to be the central resource for news and information about the
necessary and humane nature of scientists' work with
laboratory animals in biomedical and behavioral research. We also report breaking news about anti-research campaigns
by those who threaten medical progress."
Foundation for Biomedical
Research: "Established in 1981, the Foundation for
Biomedical Research (FBR) is the nation's oldest and largest
organization dedicated to improving human and animal health by
promoting public understanding and support for the humane and
responsible use of animals in medical and scientific research.
FBR is the leading voice of scientific reason and medical
progress in the ongoing, sometimes violent debate that surrounds
animal research."
Animal Rights.Net:
This site is updated daily and includes news reports on
advancements using animal models, as well as reports on the
activities of anti-research activists. Also included are
analyses and boards for open discussion of the issues.
“Ecoterrorism: Extremism in the Animal Rights & Enviromentalist Movements” -
Anti-Defamation League report. An excellent overview of
the history and current activities of the major groups involved,
including ALF, ELF and SHAC, as well as some of the individuals
associated with these groups. The report is designed to be a
resource for law enforcement officials. There is an update
section, which will be periodically updated with the most recent
reports of activities of these groups.
