To say that "laboratories are exempt from the anti-cruelty laws" is to ignore the fact that the biomedical research industry is one of the most highly regulated industries in the United States.
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) sets standards for the humane treatment of laboratory animals. This act has specific requirements for housing, feeding, sanitation, and ventilation. Many amendments were added to this 1966 bill that also govern the amount of living space, proper exercise, and psychological well-being of the animal. In fact, with all these regulations, some animal research laboratories cost more to build than hospitals.
Additionally, many institutions voluntarily adhere to even stricter laboratory guidelines, such as those of the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC).
Medical scientists strive to avoid excessive regulation, which does nothing for animal welfare but costs researchers time and money. These costs translate into paying more for health care and ...
