ABSTRACT
The past several decades have witnessed dramatic changes in the regulatory environment involving the use of animals in research and education. A cursory review of citations using the keywords animal model or animal models in PubMed indicates a steady increase in manuscripts involving the use of animals. The use of animals for research and teaching has consistently polarized public opinion, and governments have recognized a need for regulations to address the ethical responsibility for acknowledging the needs of the animals used for societal purposes. Because much of the funding for biomedical research originates from federal sources, scientists are accountable to the public and the public's wishes. When reviewing regulations and guidelines, one should acknowledge the difference between engineering, performance, practice, and professional standards, which reflect some of the themes of the hierarchy of guidance. Applying accepted standards to animal care and use encourages consistency and minimizes potential for animal pain and distress, thereby meeting both scientific and ethical obligations.
