Regulations For Experiments With Animals

(This guide for high school students of biology was prepared at the request of Science Clubs of America by a committee of the National Society for Medical Research and later amended by committees of the Animal Care Panel and Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources.)

1. The basic aim of scientific studies that involve animals is to achieve an under standing of life, and to advance our knowledge of life processes. Such studies lead to a respect for life.

2. A qualified adult supervisor must assume primary responsibility for the purposes and conditions of any experiment that involves living animals.

3. No experiment should be undertaken that involves anesthetic drugs, surgical procedures, pathogenic organisms, toxicological products, carcinogens, or radiation unless a trained biological scientist, physician, dentist, or veterinarian directly supervises.

4. Any experiment must be performed with the animal under appropriate anesthesia if pain is involved.

5. The comfort of the animal used in any study shall be a prime concern of the student investigator. Gentle handling, proper feeding, and provision of appropriate sanitary quarters shall at all times be strictly observed. Any experiment in nutritional deficiency may proceed only to the point where symptoms of the deficiency appear.

Appropriate measures shall then be taken to correct the deficiency, if feasible.

6. Students shall not be permitted to participate in science fairs held under the auspices of the National Science Fair-International until their adult sponsors have submitted assurance in writing that the above rules have been observed.

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