Ch 1: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Exotic and Laboratory Animals Vet Tech

Exotic pets

Companion animals other than dogs and cats. Birds, reptiles, pocket pets, rabbits, etc.

Laboratory animal

Animal used in research or teaching

Intrinsic factors

Intrinsic factors are internal factors, such as genetics, age, and health status.

Extrinsic factors

External factors, such as environment, diet, and exposure to pathogens.

'Three Rs'

Reduction, Refinement, and Replacement, principles aimed at minimizing animal use and suffering in research.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

Oversees the use of animals in research, such as legal and ethical standards

Common research animals

Mice, rats, rabbits

Animal rights groups

Inherent rights of animals, opposing their use for food, research, or entertainment.

Animal liberation groups

Seek to end all forms of animal exploitation, even at the risk of breaking and entering or going to jail.

Extralabel drug use

Used in a manner other than what is specified on the approved label directions.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

To safeguard species from extinction by regulating international trade

Ethical concerns with exotic pet ownership

Unique husbandry, safety requirements, zoonotic diseases, and may disrupt local ecosystems.

Consequences of exotic pets escape

Become invasive species and outcompete native species for resources.

Vets and Injured or abdandoned Wildlife

Provide ER care and transfer to a local licensed rehabilitator.

Legal requirement for possessing native wildlife

A permit or license.

Misconception about orphaned animals

Animals are abandoned if touched by humans

Potential public health threat posed by exotic pets

Transmission of zoonotic diseases and potential injury

Impact of Burmese pythons and green iguanas in Florida

Displaced native species and disrupting local ecosystems.

zoonotic disease

Disease transmitted between animals and humans.

Animal Welfare Act Purpose

Protect dogs and cats from theft, prevent the use of stolen pets, and ensure humane care for animals in research.

Animals covered by Animal Welfare Act?

All warm-blooded animals except horses, farm animals, mice, rats, and birds.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Enforces Animal Welfare Regulations (AWR)

IACUC Purpose

Approve animal use in research or teaching

Committee requirements for an IACUC

Three individuals: veterinarian and one person with no affiliation to the research facility.

Additional requirement that OLAW impose on IACUCs.

Must have five members.

Role of a nonscientist or lay person on the IACUC

To represent the general community's interests.

How often are IACUC facility inspections?

Every 6 months.

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals ("The Guide")

Primary reference for lab animal care and use reference

Information covered by "the Guide"

Personnel qualifications and safety, veterinary care, animal environment, procurement, surgical care, pain relief, euthanasia techniques, and facility design.

PHS

Public Health Service

Animal Welfare Act (AWA)

Legislation that governs the transportation, care, and use of animals in research.

Alternatives to animals in research

Mathematical models, computer simulation, and in vitro biologic systems.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Publishes guidelines for the euthanasia of animals

Office of Research Integrity (ORI)

Promotes integrity in research funded by PHS. They oversee institutional investigations into research misconduct

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

SOPs are step-by-step descriptions of all scientific and animal husbandry procedures

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Supports and conducts biomedical research.

Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC)

Promotes humane treatment of animals in science through a voluntary accreditation program.

Reduction (animal research)

Use the absolute least number of animals necessary to achieve research goals.

Refinement (animal research)

Minimize pain and distress to animals used in research.

Replacement (animal research)

Replace animals with alternative methods whenever possible.

Animal research

Tissue cultures, artificial models, computer models, and the substitution of rodents for primates, dogs, and cats.

Animal exploitation groups

Animals were put on earth for human use and are absolute property, and they do not recognize animals' capacity to feel pain.

Activities advocated by animal exploitation groups

Bullfighting and cockfighting, which are generally illegal in the U.S.

Animal use groups

Animals can be used by humans, but it must be responsible, minimizing pain and discomfort.

Those included in animal use groups?

Lab animal workers, meat eaters, leather wearers, hunters, breeders, circus and zoo participants, and horse and dog racers.

Who is included in animal control group?

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and AVMA.

Animal welfare groups

Treat all animals kindly and laws should require humane treatment.

Actions advocated for by animal welfare groups.

Relieve suffering, which can include euthanasia, and pursue legislation to promote animal welfare.

Do animal welfare groups oppose animal research?

They do not oppose animal research without pain & distress, but do oppose using unwanted animals for research.

Animal welfare groups VS animal rights groups

Animal welfare groups focus on humane treatment and legislation, while animal rights groups advocate for the intrinsic rights of animals.

View held by some animal liberationists

Owning a pet as a form of enslavement.

Methods of some animal liberation activists

Illegal methods such as civil disobedience and break-ins.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Largest animal liberation group

Legal requirement for drugs proposed for human use

They must be tested on animals first.

Techniques to reduce animal in research

Cell and tissue cultures, mathematical models, and computer models.

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

The law requires extensive safety documentation before new drugs are given to humans

Animal control groups

Government should write laws that express sentiments of most of the population. If unfair, change it.

Example: veterinarians, USDA, AVMA