Animals in research, testing and teaching

Animals in research, testing and teaching


Position statement:

The goal of CFHS is to restrict the use of animals to those areas of research, testing and teaching that do not jeopardize their physical, mental or emotional well-being. CFHS looks forward to the time when animal use in research, testing and teaching becomes obsolete or unnecessary, while recognizing that the use of some animals has been of benefit to humankind and to the animal kingdom.

While animals are still being used:

  • CFHS is dedicated to the principle that all research, testing and teaching must follow strict guidelines for the humane treatment of animals
  • CFHS insists that the physical and behavioural needs of all animals used are met including optimal housing, exercise, and environmental enrichment
  • CFHS strongly advocates the principle of the “Three R’s”:
    Replace live animals in experiments, wherever possible
    Refine the procedures to minimize suffering to those animals used
    Reduce the numbers of animals used to the minimum required to obtain valid data

In furtherance of the above principles, CFHS is an active and founding member of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), the national peer review organization created in 1968 to oversee the use of animals in publicly-funded research. By its membership in CCAC, and its participation on assessment panels conducted by CCAC, CFHS maintains a strong voice on behalf of all animals used, in relation to the animal welfare principles associated with their use.

CFHS supports stringent regulatory controls over genetic engineering of animals and continues to promote knowledgeable international debate on this issue by government, industry, the animal welfare movement and the public.

Animals in research, testing and teaching
Animals in research, testing and teaching