Scientists share the public's concern for the well-being and proper care of laboratory animals. They know that good animal care is a serious ethical responsibility. It is also vital in obtaining scientific test results that are accurate and reliable. Let's think about it—you wouldn't expect reliable results on water quality testing if the containers were dirty. In the same way, animals in poor health because of mishandling or neglect would be a serious source of unwanted experimental error and could even make the test results meaningless. Government regulations also help ensure that research institutions provide the proper resources for taking good care of laboratory animals. The Federal Animal Welfare Act outlines mandatory standards for veterinary care, housing, handling, treatment, feeding, watering, sanitation, ventilation, and shelter of laboratory animals. All research facilities using laboratory animals covered under the Act must be regularly inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Random, unannounced USDA visits help ensure that institutions are indeed complying with the regulations. In addition, the Animal Welfare Act requires that each institution have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This group must review and approve all animal research study plans before any study involving animals can be started. Every aspect of the study that impacts animal welfare is carefully considered—for example, does everyone working with the animals have the appropriate skills. The committee must include at least one veterinarian and at least one person from the outside community who is not associated with the research institution. Many laboratories also maintain approval from the American Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. This organization promotes standards of excellence beyond those required by Federal law and con ducts routine inspections. Individual state agencies and the U.S. Public Health Service also enforce appropriate laboratory animal care and use standards. The combination of all of these oversight groups cover virtually every research facility where animals are used in the United States. (next page)
					Q How can we be sure that laboratory animals are cared for and treated humanely? A Scientists know that good animal care is both a serious ethical responsibility and a necessity for obtaining test results that are accurate and reliable. Additionally, strict governmental regulations and industry standards mandate that animals receive good care.