f6098d8b__and_Use_of_Laboratory_Animals__Comments
[ID] 95 [Entry Date] 04/15/2011 at 02:00:53 PM [Affiliation] Self [Comments] 
Comment 1: Is is a privilege to use animals in biomedical research, and we strive to provide the highest level of care for research animals. I believe the NIH should NOT adopt the eighth edition of the Guide, since it contains new guidelines for the housing of animals that are highly controversial. These changes, especially for the housing of mice, have not been proven to increase animal health and wellbeing. However, they certainly will induce an unnecessary financial burden on everyone who uses or cares for rodents in research. In the current funding environment, available tax-payer money should be spent on advancing research, not buying new cages for a perceived (but scientifically unproven) increase in animal wellbeing. Comment 2: The NIH should NOT adopt the implementation plan using the eighth edition of the Guide. This edition of the Guide contains new guidelines for the housing of animals that are highly controversial. These changes, especially for the housing of mice, have not been proven to increase animal health and well being and will needlessly waste tax payer money. They certainly will induce an unnecessary financial burden on everyone who uses or cares for rodents in research. In the current funding environment, available tax-payer money should be spent on advancing research, not buying new cages for a perceived (but scientifically unproven) increase in animal wellbeing.
Listing of Public Comments on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals