AETOX - Asociación Española de Toxicología

Inventory of the Spanish Institutions and Scientists Involved in Alternatives to the use of Laboratory Animals (Refinement, Reduction or Replacement)+

Inventory: 5. Public Opinion

The development of a critical interest towards alternative methods arose mainly from the increasing attention to animal welfare shown by animal right movements, the scientific community and interested industries (REMA, 1998). For these reasons, animal research presents many kinds of implications.

5.1- Ethical implications

There are many ethical aspects concerning the scientific use of living organisms, founded on the basic principle of the mutual respect for all life and the avoidance of unnecessary suffering. In practical terms, although the necessity or legal obligation to perform some types of assays exists, it is still necessary to establish the balance between the benefits that may be obtained and possible injury previously. The true relevance and reliability of the procedures used and the existence of alternatives should be known to all.

5.2.- Scientific aspects

From a scientific point of view, animal procedures are not always the most appropriate, since they can often be improved, and in many cases, even replaced. Important advances have been produced in models and bioindicators, which should be applied by scientists. Alternative methods used in pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry, etc, have advanced tremendously in recent years, not only from the perspective of scientific advance, but also in terms of their social impact.

In vitro research is now a scientific activity with its own personality, giving origin to scientific societies, meetings and journals. This is due not only to a receptive social environment which favours a major reduction in the use of laboratory animals, but also to the pioneering efforts of scientists.

5.3.- Logistic, economic and industrial implications

Economic and logistic aspects sould also be taken into consideration in the real world. In vitro methods are often cheaper than animal studies, in addition to providing more rapid results, an important incentive for industry.

5.4.- The social pressure

A social movement has been consolidated since the 50’s, leading to the formation of a number of groups concerned about animal rights. Although the groups created in Spain are less powerful than their European partners, they are increasing their social influence. Among the more active groups which have taken a position against animal research are the Asociación para la Defensa de los Derechos del Animal (ADDA), the Asociación para la Defensa y Prevención de la Crueldad con los Animales (ADPCA) and the Asociación Nacional para la Defensa de los Animales (ANDA).

Fuente / Source: Guillermo Repetto, Ana del Peso, Manuel Salguero, Manuel Repetto (1999) Inventory of the Spanish Institutions and Scientists Involved in Alternatives to the use of Laboratory Animals (Refinement, Reduction or Replacement) Revista de Toxicología 16: 50-127.