The ethics of research involving animals - Nuffield Council on ...

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T h e e t h i c s o f r e s e a r c h i n v o l v i n g a n i m a l s regulatory context <strong>of</strong> <strong>research</strong> <strong>involving</strong> <strong>animals</strong>. In Chapter 3, we discuss the way in which moral philosophy relates to issues raised by such <strong>research</strong>. We focus in particular on the kind <strong>of</strong> questions that need to be asked when considering whether, and if so how, the use <strong>of</strong> <strong>animals</strong> by humans for <strong>research</strong> can be justified. We consider whether there are particular features <strong>of</strong> <strong>animals</strong> that are <strong>of</strong> special moral relevance, and we outline ways in which different philosophical frameworks can be related to morally relevant characteristics. We also discuss the relation <strong>of</strong> moral theory to regulatory codes and practices, and how it should contribute to achieving appropriate regulation. Chapter 4 explores philosophical and scientific issues in relation to the assessment <strong>of</strong> pain, suffering and distress caused by <strong>research</strong> on <strong>animals</strong>. 1.19 <strong>The</strong> areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>research</strong> in which <strong>animals</strong> are used are described in Chapters 5–9. <strong>The</strong>y include: basic <strong>research</strong> to understand how <strong>animals</strong> and humans develop and function (Chapter 5), the use <strong>of</strong> <strong>animals</strong> for the study <strong>of</strong> human disease (Chapter 6), genetic modification <strong>of</strong> <strong>animals</strong> in the study <strong>of</strong> disease (Chapter 7), the development <strong>of</strong> medicines and vaccines by the pharmaceutical industry (Chapter 8) and toxicological testing <strong>of</strong> substances that are potentially hazardous for <strong>animals</strong>, humans or the environment (Chapter 9). Within each <strong>of</strong> these sections we provide examples <strong>of</strong> specific types <strong>of</strong> <strong>research</strong>. A summary <strong>of</strong> Chapters 5–9, that also considers in more detail the transferability to humans <strong>of</strong> results obtained from animal <strong>research</strong>, is provided in Chapter 10. 1.20 Chapters 11 and 12 discuss the Three Rs: Refinement, Reduction and Replacement. <strong>The</strong>se terms represent widely accepted principles <strong>of</strong> humane experimental technique, whereby <strong>animals</strong> should be replaced by alternatives wherever possible, and the numbers and suffering <strong>of</strong> <strong>animals</strong> kept to a minimum. Chapter 11 focuses on replacements. It addresses the scope and limitation <strong>of</strong> the approach, and identifies scientific and non-scientific obstacles. Reduction and Refinement are similarly addressed in Chapter 12. An overview <strong>of</strong> the regulatory framework governing animal <strong>research</strong> in the UK and the formal provisions and operation in practice <strong>of</strong> the principal law, the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (A(SP)A), is provided in Chapter 13. Developments at the international level are also considered briefly. 1.21 <strong>The</strong> initial discussion <strong>of</strong> moral issues in Chapter 3 is resumed in Chapter 14. We aim to identify areas <strong>of</strong> practical consensus, which leads to some conclusions and recommendations for policy in Chapter 15. While our observations focus mainly on animal <strong>research</strong> in the UK, we have tried to consider the broader context and hope that the Report will be <strong>of</strong> use internationally. 1.22 As with all the Reports published by the <strong>Nuffield</strong> <strong>Council</strong> on Bio<strong>ethics</strong>, this document has been produced primarily by a Working Party that was established for the specific purpose <strong>of</strong> writing this Report. <strong>The</strong> draft Report has also been considered, and commented upon, several times by all members <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Council</strong>, before final adoption. <strong>The</strong> members <strong>of</strong> the Working Party reflect in their own convictions the diversity <strong>of</strong> views held in the wider population. In the Report, we have avoided the search for a spurious show <strong>of</strong> agreement on all topics, but have instead attempted to clarify the varied ethical and scientific views that are held. Inevitably, some members <strong>of</strong> the group find some parts <strong>of</strong> the Report difficult to accept, and sometimes contrary to their own beliefs. It is therefore all the more important that a consensus statement was achieved after many hours <strong>of</strong> discussion (see paragraphs 15.3–15.20). Members have recognised that although disagreements will remain on both fundamental and very specific issues raised by animal <strong>research</strong>, nevertheless, all can respect the deeply held ethical convictions from which the views <strong>of</strong> others are derived. 10
T h e e t h i c s o f r e s e a r c h i n v o l v i n g a n i m a l s 1.23 It is in this spirit that we present this Report and its recommendations. Readers will therefore need to bear in mind that while the Working Party has tried scrupulously to give fair coverage to the widest possible range <strong>of</strong> ethical and scientific arguments, it is not possible, outside the consensus statement, to attribute to all members <strong>of</strong> the group the views described on any one issue. Rather, the <strong>Council</strong> adopted the Report as a whole, recognising it as a fair and balanced study <strong>of</strong> the wide range <strong>of</strong> views, trusting that it is valuable to lay out the range <strong>of</strong> opinions and beliefs about the use <strong>of</strong> <strong>animals</strong> in <strong>research</strong>, and to give a detailed analysis <strong>of</strong> the ethical arguments that should be the basis <strong>of</strong> any informed and fair debate. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 11
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Section 3 Alternatives
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Chapter 14 Discussion of</s
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Appendices
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Genetic screening: ethical issues P
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