f6098d8b__and_Use_of_Laboratory_Animals__Comments
[ID] 191 [Entry Date] 04/19/2011 at 02:45:48 PM [Affiliation] Self [Comments] 
Comment 1: I'm strongly opposed to the adoption of the 8th edition Guide. The new guidelines requires more floor space per mouse in a cage, which limits the number of mice can be held per cage. This will increase the amount of cages needed to hold the same amount of mice, and increases the total price each lab pays to maintain the cages. In my lab, it would be a 20% increase in cost, just to maintain the cages, not to mention the cost of having to buy the extra cages. In addition, female mice with litters would have to be housed individually, according to the new space requirements. This in turn could even triple the number of cages needed. For rats, the new space requirements would also mean one female and litter per cage, again leading to many more cages needing to be purchased. Some labs may not have the physical space required in their facility to house more cages, which would cost even more. I don't intend to sound greedy, as if this all has to do with money, but the money we have is best used towards our research, rather than accommodating new, scientifically unproven rules that may or may not support animal well being. The cost is too great for a benefit that is questionable at best.
Listing of Public Comments on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals