Statement on the Use of Animals in Research, Education, and Teaching

The following statement was originally published in the February 1991 issue of the Bulletin as the "Statement on the Use of Animals in Research." This revised statement incorporates language related to recent changes that have been made to the "Federal Animal Welfare Act, Regulations, and Standards."

The American College of Surgeons supports the responsible use and humane care and treatment of laboratory animals in research, education, teaching, and product safety testing in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal animal welfare laws. Further, the membership believes that only as many animals as necessary should be used; that any pain or distress animals may experience should be minimized or alleviated; and that, wherever feasible, alternatives to the use of live animals should be developed and employed.

The American College of Surgeons believes that now and in the foreseeable future it is not possible to completely replace the use of animals and that the study of whole living organisms, tissues, and cells is an indispensable element of biomedical research, education, and teaching.

Reprinted from Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons
Vol. 87, No. 10, Page 16, October 2002