APA's Guidelines For Animal Experimentation Defended

I was surprised at Donald J. Barnes' lack of information regarding the American Psychological Association's efforts to ensure the humane and responsible use of laboratory animals ("The Humane Community Does Do the Funding"). APA's enforceable code of ethical principles demands that APA members adhere to extensive guidelines for ethical conduct in the care and use of animals. These guidelines detail APA policies concerning the acquisition and care of animals and recommend standards for specific

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APA's enforceable code of ethical principles demands that APA members adhere to extensive guidelines for ethical conduct in the care and use of animals. These guidelines detail APA policies concerning the acquisition and care of animals and recommend standards for specific research procedures. The congressional Office of Technology Assessment, which recently completed an exhaustive study of the use of animals in research, education and testing has recognized APA's guidelines as "the most comprehensive document of its type distinguished by both the number and diversity" of its requirements for ensuring the humane care and use of animals in behavioral research.

The code requires investigators to pursue alternatives that can effectively address the research question without the use of animals. When such alternatives are not avail able, researchers must ensure appropriate consideration of the animals' comfort and health.

APA's guidelines have been widely publicized in the news media and in the scientific ...

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