Animal advocates hopeful of reaching an accord with the biomedical research community recognize that some biomedical research, testing, training and education using animals will continue in the foreseeable future. The biomedical research community has already agreed in principle that scientific use of animals should be subject to rigorous scientific review including serious consideration of non-animal alternatives and, if approved and funded, conducted in a manner which ensures that the smallest possible number of animals are involved, of species with the lowest potential for pain and suffering, and that such animals should be provided with optimum housing, handling, and care. However, we have identified areas in which both animal welfare and science might be improved in the practices of scientific institutions, in the regulation of animal use by public agencies, and in the federal Animal Welfare Act’s definition of “animal.” Read more