Responsible Conduct of Research Seminar: USE OF ANIMALS IN RESEARCH

Transcription

1 Responsible Conduct of Research Seminar: USE OF ANIMALS IN RESEARCH Tara Ooms, D.V.M., DACLAM Director, Department of Comparative Medicine Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine Tulane University

2 High school Undergraduate Bachelor s in Animal Science Veterinary School Drug company Residency in Laboratory Animal Medicine Primate Vet Comparative Medicine Vet My Personal Journey

3 Topics to Address Defining and describing the role of human-animal relationships The role of science in animal welfare decisions How values and experiences influence animal welfare decisions 3

4 Animal Welfare a human responsibility that encompasses all aspects of animal well being, including proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment, responsible care, humane handling, and when necessary, humane euthanasia Definitions

5 Animal Rights a philosophical view and personal value characterized by statements by various groups. Animal Welfare and Animal Rights are not synonymous terms Definitions

6 Humans have been dependent on animals for food, clothing, shelter and have evolved relationships with these animals Diseases are transmitted from humans to animals Animals are deities in certain religions Animals became domesticated as human settlements formed and hunter-gatherers changed to farmers Animals were part of urbanization Society s opinions of animals has been ever evolving Human-Animal Relationship

7 Our ideas about animals were not uniformly acquired, and have not remained constant over time Extreme examples of changing opinions about animals include: Anatomists who followed Descartes in the 1600s administered beatings to dogs and insisted that animals could feel no pain Recent conclusion that humans and animals share feelings and conclude that humans should be careful of the feelings of animals Only modern civilization in the developed world to ban all animal research was the National Socialist party in Germany in1933 In the new Reich no animal cruelty was tolerated All animal research was banned Out of fear of not advancing scientifically, animal research is reinstated within weeks Human-Animal Relationship

8 In today s civilization, the definition of animal is broad and in general, biologically based Animals are all things organic that are not plants Most people accept the idea that humans are animals We know more about the complexity of animals and we have a greater appreciation of how we share many of the same qualities and characteristics. We have a tradition of endowing animals with human characteristics Our treatment of animals has changed because we acknowledge that our kinship with them is no longer so separate Human-Animal Relationship

9 Today, we actually still interact with animals in many of the ways that our ancestors did: We enjoy them; we hunt them; we keep them as pets; we depend on them for food, fiber and leather; we have fun with them; we use them as examples of behavior; and we just enjoy watching them; we are inspired by them; we use them to understand ourselves, etc. As humans, we should protect them; realize their value; appreciate them; ensure that they have places to live in the wild, etc. We can also thank them for all they contribute to our lives. They truly enrich and nourish our human experience. Human-Animal Relationship

10 Laboratory animals 1940s and 1950s Increased public concern about vivisection, especially within the context of pets 1954 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) commissions a systematic study of laboratory techniques in an ethical context William Russell Rex Burch Emergence of Animal Welfare Science 10

11 Published The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique in 1959 The Three R s have been adopted as key guiding principles for the welfare of animals in research Reduction The number of animals used should be the minimum that is consistent with the aims of the research Refinement Use of methods that alleviate or minimize potential pain and distress and enhance animal well-being Replacement Involves achieving a given purpose without conducting experiments or other scientific procedures on animals Emergence of Animal Welfare Science

12 1965 Brambell Commission appointed Farmers, veterinarians, animal protectionists, regulators Identified science as a way to work through questions First funding for animal welfare science begins to flow Principles included that an animal should at least have sufficient freedom of movement to be able, without difficulty, to turn around, groom itself, get up, lie down, and stretch its limbs first statement of the Five Freedoms Emergence of Animal Welfare Science 12

13 Ideal welfare = five conditions met Freedom from hunger and thirst Freedom from discomfort Freedom from pain, injury, and disease Freedom to express normal behavior Freedom from fear and distress Generally not possible to fulfill all five simultaneously Five Freedoms 13

14 How do we know animals are being treated well? Physiologic and mental responses Success in coping with conditions and practices associated with being kept But what are the critical scientific components? Assessing Animal Welfare Scientifically 14

15 Five basic frameworks used by animal welfare scientists Homeostatic (quality of function) Feelings (affective states) Animal choices Nature of the species Five Freedoms Assessing Animal Welfare Scientifically 15

16 Quality of fitness Measure physiological and behavioral responses Fitness costs of responses Homeostatic 16

17 Measure emotions Link between visceral and cognitive processes Emphasize Reductions in negative responses Increases in positive responses Feelings (Sentience) 17

18 Examine motivations /preferences for resources Space Flooring Relate motivations to underlying needs/wants Choice tests Willingness to work for choice Results may reflect immediate needs, can be situationdependent Animal Choices 18

19 Look for natural environments and behaviors Can be difficult to define what natural means When is natural necessary for the animal? Customized animal types Nature of the Species 19

20 The dream All animal welfare decisions are science-based Look at inputs and outputs and arrive at a scientific solution Biological function is homeostasis maintained? Health absence/presence of disease/injury Behavioral/social function Adaptation Emotional states Cognition/awareness Choices We know this is the best way to assure that the welfare of the animal is protected Science as Solution

21 The reality Animal welfare decisions are social decisions Integration of culture, ethics, and science Science didn t even really play a role until 1950s Science isn t black-and-white or value-free Science can be used to help resolve disputes Science may not exist, may be used selectively, or be ignored Science is used by both sides in policy debates If societal perception is that something is wrong then science is unlikely to change that perception Science can determine what type or level of risk exists Science cannot determine what type or level of risk is acceptable Science as Solution

22 Let s look at an example of three different environments and assess welfare

23 Eats whatever s on sale, frequent table scraps Free roam of home, outside for walks Annual veterinary examination Toys available, occasional game of fetch Only dog, sporadic social interaction with other dogs Animals in different environments Home

24 Controlled, nutritionally complete diet Confined to kennel, but enough space to exercise Evaluation by caretaker each day, monthly exam by veterinarian Toys available, daily training by familiar caretakers Able to see, hear, and interact with other dogs daily Animals in different environments Laboratory

25 Donated diet Initial veterinary exam, daily observation Communal housing in some situations, indooroutdoor runs, able to interact with other dogs Human interactions variable and inconsistent May live entire life in shelters Animals in different environments Shelter

26 Which environment would you chose? Why? Which do you think these people would choose? Scientists Animal protection groups Your neighbor Your public officials

27 Scientists Animal Protection Groups Members of the Public Public Officials Everyone s Choice is Framed By Their Values 27

28 Measures of health, growth and productivity Function Feelings Measures of affective states (pain, suffering, contentment) Natural Behavior Quantitative and qualitative comparisons to wild or free-living conspecifics Understanding Your (and Their) Choice 1 Adapted from Fraser D, Weary DM, Pajor EA, et al. A scientific conception of animal welfare that reflects ethical concerns. Anim Welf 1997;6:

29 Scientists Animal Protection Groups Members of the Public Public Officials Everyone s Choice is Conditioned By Their Experiences 29

30 Look at inputs and outputs and arrive at a scientific solution Biological function is homeostasis maintained? Health absence/presence of disease/injury Behavioral/social function Adaptation Emotional states Cognition/awareness Choices Understanding Their Viewpoint Veterinarians/Scientists Using Animals 30

31 A full-grown horse or dog is beyond comparison a more rational, as well as a more conversable animal, than an infant of a day, a week or even a month. The question is not, can they reason? Nor can they talk? But, can they suffer? Jeremy Bentham, 1780 Look out for your baby or your friend, of course. That is easy. The test of moral fiber is to stick up for those you relate to least, understand minimally, and do not think are that much like you. Animal liberationists do not separate out the human animal, so there is no rational basis for saying that a human being has special rights. A rat is a pig is a dog is a boy. They are all mammals. Ingrid Newkirk, late 1989 Understanding Their Viewpoint Animal Protection Groups 31

32 Capacities for moral standing Capacity for pain and suffering Properties of emotion Human obligation to not cause harm That obligation conveys moral standing and thus rights Animal Liberation by Peter Singer 1978 became the building block of the modern Animal Rights Movement Speciesism Prejudice or attitude of bias toward the interest of one s own species and against those of other species Utilitarianism Believes that an act is right in so far as it leads to the greatest happiness for the greatest number regardless of biodiversity Right Shorthand for the kind of protection we give to all members of our species Understanding Their Viewpoint Animal Protection Groups 32

33 Urbanization Social shifts in family units Increase in disposable income Animals move from utility to companions Potential for influence from the loudest voices But Concern for food and drug/device availability and security/safety Understanding Their Viewpoint Public 33

34 Come from all walks of life with all kinds of experiences In many areas majority are not familiar with the animal use industries and animal care practices Most driven by a genuine desire to do the right thing But they want to be re-elected Therefore Tremendous potential for stakeholder influence Activists Animal use industries Understanding Their Viewpoint Public Officials 34

35 Is there are right or wrong answer? Animal welfare is being considered in each case but values and experiences of the major players are changing in each case

36 The responsible use of animals for human purposes should be consistent with the Veterinarian's Oath. Decisions regarding animal care, use, and welfare shall be made by balancing scientific knowledge and professional judgment with consideration of ethical and societal values. Animals must be provided water, food, proper handling, health care, and an environment appropriate to their care and use, with thoughtful consideration for their species-typical biology and behavior. Animals should be cared for in ways that minimize fear, pain, stress, and suffering. Procedures related to animal housing, management, care, and use should be continuously evaluated, and when indicated, refined or replaced. Conservation and management of animal populations should be humane, socially responsible, and scientifically prudent. Animals shall be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and, when necessary, provided a humane death. The veterinary profession shall continually strive to improve animal health and welfare through scientific research, education, collaboration, advocacy, and the development of legislation and regulations. AVMA Animal Welfare Principles

37 The responsible use of animals for human purposes, such as companionship, food, fiber, education, exhibition, and research conducted for the benefit of humans and animals, is consistent with the principles of the Veterinarian's Oath. These principles include: The protection of animal health, The relief of animal suffering, The conservation of animal resources, The promotion of public health, and The advancement of medical knowledge. Responsible Use of Animals for Human Purposes

38 The use of animals in research, testing, and education is a privilege carrying with it unique professional, scientific, and moral obligations, and ethical responsibilities Encourage proper stewardship of all animals, but defend and promote the use of animals in meaningful research, testing, and education programs Condemn all acts of violence, vandalism, or intimidation directed toward individuals, facilities, or tertiary organizations affiliated with the use of animals in research, testing, or education Using Animals in Research, Testing, and Education

39 The use of animals in research will continue for the foreseeable future The perception of its use will continue to evolve with society s viewpoints The science of animal welfare will continue to evolve and shape how we understand and perceive animals needs As scientists, we can promote the use of animals and their welfare Conclusion

40 Information Resources on Human-Animal Relationships Past and Present, AWIC Resource Series No. 30, March 2005 available at: nd.htm AVMA Animal Welfare Resources: Animal Liberation: A New Ethics for our Treatment of Animals, New York Review/Random House, New York, 1975; Cape, London, 1976; Avon, New York, 1977; Paladin, London, 1977; Thorsons, London, Harper Perennial Modern Classics, New York, Russell, W.M.S. and Burch, R.L., The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique. Methuen, London, Reprinted by UFAW, 1992: 8 Hamilton Close, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3QD England. ISBN Hart, Lynette, ed. Responsible Conduct with Animals in Research, Oxford University Press, Resources

41 Brian Weimer, Esq. Research Compliance Officer Laura Levy, PhD Associate Senior VP for Research Lara Doyle, DVM, DACLAM Tulane National Primate Research Center Taylor Bennett, DVM, PhD, DACLAM Consultant, Content Gail Golab, DVM, PhD, MACVSc (Animal Welfare) American Veterinary Medical Association Animal Welfare Specialist Acknowledgements