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APS Position Statements
APS Guiding Principles for the Care and Use of Animals in Research
Approved by the Council of The American Physiological Society (1)
Animal experiments are to be undertaken only with the purpose of advancing knowledge. Consideration should be given to the appropriateness of experimental procedures, species of animals used, and number of animals required.
Only animals that are lawfully acquired shall be used in laboratory research, and their retention and use shall be in every case in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations, and in accordance with the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR) Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (2).
Animals used in research and education must receive every consideration for their comfort; they must be properly housed, fed, and their surroundings kept in sanitary conditions.
The use of animals must be in accordance with the ILAR Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Appropriate anesthetics must be used to eliminate sensibility to pain during all surgical procedures. Drugs that produce muscle paralysis are not anesthetics and they must not be used alone for surgical restraint, but may be used in conjunction with drugs known to produce adequate anesthesia. The care and use of animals shall be such as to minimize discomfort and pain. All measures to minimize pain and distress that would not compromise experimental results may be employed.
If the study requires the death of an animal, the most humane euthanasia method consistent with the study must be used.
When animals are used by students for their education or the advancements of science, such work shall be under the direct supervision of an experienced teacher or investigator.
(1) The Guiding Principles for the Care and Use of Animals are based on principles formulated by Walter B. Cannon in 1909. The APS Council first adopted them in 1953. Latest revision approved July 2000. Reviewed and approved 2006.
(2) Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR). Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1996.
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