Research with nonhuman animals has contributed significantly to advances in the field of psychology (Carroll & Overmier, 2001; Dettmer and Bennett, 2021; Laborda, Miguez, Polack, & Miller, 2012; Maestripieri & Roney, 2006; Mehta & Gosling, 2008). It has laid the foundation for understanding diverse behavioral and biological processes underlying phenomena such as attention, perception, learning, memory, social behaviors, emotion, and decision making, accounting for diverse behavioral, cultural, and social contexts. Research with nonhuman animals has also furthered our understanding of similarities and differences across species, which has both intellectual and practical significance. Knowledge about other species has been crucial in guiding conservation efforts in various habitats across the world (Higham, 2016; O’Brien & Robeck, 2010; Swaisgood, Zhou, Zhang, Lindburg, & Zhang 2003; Zimbler-DeLorenzo & Stone, 2011).
The assembly and application of findings from nonhuman animal research is the foundation for numerous clinical applications that have significantly improved the health and well-being of both human and nonhuman animals (Carroll & Overmier, 2001; Raffel, Hoverman, Halstead, Michel, & Rohr, 2010; Raffel et al., 2013; Shively et al., 2021; Tizzi, Accorsi, & Azzali, 2010). Importantly, maintaining high standards of research animal wellbeing is not only of ethical importance to scientists, but is also critical to collecting data that allow for robust conclusions upon which scientific breakthroughs are grounded. Nonhuman animal research has proven invaluable for exploring the complexity of diverse behaviors across genetic, molecular, cellular/neuronal, circuit, network, cognitive, and behavioral levels.
Whereas The American Psychological Association has long acknowledged the importance and contributions of nonhuman animal research to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting the wellbeing of human and nonhuman animals (APA, 1990; Dewsbury, 1992); and
Whereas Nonhuman animal research is comprehensively regulated through an integrated oversight system comprising federal, state, and local regulations (U. S. Department of Agriculture, 2013), as well as institutional peer review (National Institutes of Health, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, 2015) and peer review by funding agencies, both of which attest to the necessity of the research, its scientific validity, and the humane and ethical treatment of the animals involved; and
Whereas Scientists bear several responsibilities for the conduct of research with nonhuman animals, which include ensuring humane care and treatment that is sensitive to species-specific needs; being informed about and adhering to relevant laws and regulations pertaining to such research; and communicating respect for these research subjects to employees, students, and colleagues (APA, 2012, 2013, 2016; National Research Council, 2011; Public Health Services, 2015); and
Whereas The majority of scientists support and encourage the use of nonhuman animals in scientific research (Pew Research Center, 2015); and
Whereas Observational learning through classroom demonstrations and hands-on learning through the conduct of experiments with nonhuman animals are integral to science education (Akins, Panicker, & Cunningham, 2005, National Research Council, 1989, National Science Teachers Association, 2008); and the early exposure of students to such experiences engenders creativity, original thought, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills (APA, 2003; Madrazo, 2002); and
Whereas Students exposed to nonhuman animal research are more likely to develop and retain a better appreciation for such research (Akins, Panicker, & Cunningham, 2005; Edwards, Jones, Bird, & Parry, 2014; Offner, 1993); and
Whereas The APA recognizes the general public may not fully appreciate the nature of nonhuman animal research and its benefits to society, due to overabundance of misinformation and simultaneous dearth of accurate information available in the public domain (Speaking of Research, n.d.); and
Whereas The APA recognizes the concerted efforts of entities opposed to research with nonhuman animals and dedicated to the abolition of such research (Speaking of Research, 2013); and
Whereas The American Psychological Association condemns harassment of scientists, students, and technical personnel engaged in nonhuman animal research, as well as destruction of nonhuman animal research facilities (APA, 2004; 2014);
Therefore be it resolved that the American Psychological Association reaffirms its earlier resolution (APA, 1990) and joins with other scholarly organizations (Alzheimer’s Association, 2015; American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1990; American Heart Association, 2010; Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 1994; Society of Toxicology, 1999) in continuing to support and promote ethically sound and scientifically valid research with nonhuman animals; and
Therefore be it further resolved that scientists support the efforts to improve research animal wellbeing through the implementation of evidence-based policies and regulations that do not compromise the scientific integrity of the research (Thulin et al, 2014); and
Therefore be it further resolved that the American Psychological Association supports the integration of student research projects with nonhuman animals in institutions capable of providing proper oversight and supervised by teachers who are trained in the care and treatment of nonhuman animals in laboratory and/or field settings (Akins, Panicker, & Cunningham, 2005); and
Therefore be it further resolved that scientists support initiatives that further the education of students, colleagues, and the general public on the merits of nonhuman animal research and its benefits to public health, the environment, and society at large; and
Therefore be it further resolved that the APA and affiliated societies and research institutions publicly defend research with nonhuman animals and the scientists who conduct such research from the sustained, multi-pronged attacks by entities opposed to such research; and
Therefore be it further resolved that the American Psychological Association encourages affiliated societies and research institutions to endorse this resolution.