We support the continued responsible use of animals in biomedical research. Effectively preventing and treating disease depends on accurate knowledge about its causes, on how disease affects the body, on drugs that combat disease, on devices that work, and on operations that cure. The knowledge, material and skills on which prevention and treatment are based have come from a variety of sources. This includes information that can only be obtained by experimenting on animals and humans. Animal research has improved the health and welfare of animals and humans.

Background

The decline in U.S. death rates from cardiovascular disease since the 1960s is due to lifestyle changes and new methods of treatment and prevention. Many of these treatments are based upon research requiring animals.

Some criticize research using animals, however. Many opponents claim that animals have rights equal to those of humans. Others don't understand the long-term results of such research and how it's conducted. Still others don't distinguish between using animals for product testing and for biomedical research.

• they have looked at alternative methods to using animals.
• their research can't be successfully done without using animals.
• their experiments are designed to produce needed results and information.

Together with other responsible and committed organizations, we have identified and supported policies that foster the intelligent and appropriate use of animals in biomedical research.