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Lab Animal Welfare

Historically, laboratory animal research has played a crucial role in the development of theory and research in virtually all sub-disciplines of psychology. Currently, knowledge gained through research with laboratory animals continues to provide answers to questions important to advancing the science of behavior and to improving the welfare of both humans and other animals.

Thus, APA has long been a strong advocate for the ethical and humane care and use of nonhuman animals in research. APA has and continues to support efforts to improve laboratory animal welfare through the implementation of policies and regulations that both maintain the integrity of the scientific research and sustain the welfare of such animals.

As is evident in both the APA Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct and in the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in the Care and Use of Animals, developed by the APA Committee on Animal Research and Ethics (CARE), APA encourages researchers to use alternative procedures in order to avoid or reduce pain or stress to a lab animal, whenever possible.

CARE seeks comments on
Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in the Care and Use of Animals.
Click here to find out how to submit.


***APA Resolution on Intelligent Design and Evolutionary Theory***

Legislation | Guidance | Federal Offices of Research Regulation | Resources

Legislation, Regulations, & Policies
Below is a brief listing of legislation and regulations that affect the conduct of research with laboratory animals.

Animal Welfare Act

Health Research Extension Act (1985)

AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia (2007)

AAAS Resolution (endorsed by APA)

NIH Revitalization Act (1993)

PHS Policy

The Guide

USDA Policy Manual

U.S. Govt. Principles
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Guidance
Resources that provide additional guidance on various laboratory animal research issues:

APA Guidelines

APA Guidelines (K-12)

ABS/ASAB Guidelines

Guidelines for Neuroscience & Behavioral Research (NRC)

Society for Neuroscience
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Federal Offices of Research Regulation
Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (NIH)

Animal Care (USDA)
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Resources
CARE Video Series

IACUC Guidebook (Addendum)

Investigator Responsibilities (OLAW)

Research with Animals in Psychology

Responding to Research Information Requests

Laboratory Animals in Research and Teaching: Ethics, Care, and Methods (Edited Volume)
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