Alternatives to Use of Animals in Research,

The issue, it appears, is not whether there are alternatives to the use of animals for research, but how quickly and under what circumstances they should be used. Researchers have generally taken the position that there is little opportunity for complete replacement of laboratory animals. Although animals can be eliminated from certain phases of experiments and tests by using alternative methods, researchers believe that using some animals will still be necessary. For example, tissue cultures are a frequently cited alternative to animals however, animals are required to provide the tissue. The greatest potential, therefore, is in finding the means for reducing the number of animals used. We believe that more information is needed on the advantages and limitations of alternative methods and the extent of inappropriate animal experimentation before deciding whether legislation, such as H.R. 4805, is needed.