f6098d8b__and_Use_of_Laboratory_Animals__Comments
[ID] 468 [Entry Date] 04/24/2011 at 10:08:51 AM [Affiliation] Self [Comments] 
Comment 1: I do not think it is a good idea to adopt the new Guide as policy governing federally funded research. With the new guidelines there will be an increase in the authority of local Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, expense of research and paperwork to conduct it. Not all of these recommendations/changes are based on empirical research,they just seem to be a burden to researchers. As a student in an animal research lab this is disheartening. Currently I am learning how to apply behavioral principles in teaching a goldfish to push a soccer ball. Our school did not have an animal lab, but one ambitious professor started a lab at our school with his own money in hopes to demonstrate to the school an animal lab would be a great investment. If the new guidelines were in place, with the increase in the cost of research, this would not have been a possibility. The school is now considering providing funding for such a project! Making the guidelines to begin research too stringent would discourage animal research, which ultimately leads to human research. Have guidelines that reasonable and in the best interest to the animal. Comment 2: I think institutions should have more time to get ready for the changes to the guidelines. At least 3-5 years is enough time to restructure each animal lab's structure to accommodate for attending programs and facility evaluations.
Listing of Public Comments on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals