Rodents Require Protection
In the United States the main protection offered to animals used in research is the Animal Welfare Act. However the most frequently used research animals–birds, mice and rats–are explicitly excluded from this act. This occurs by the definition of “animal” provided in the act as:
“…any live or dead dog, cat, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or any other warmblooded animal, which is being used, or is intended for use for research, teaching, testing, experimentation, or exhibition purposes, or as a pet. This term excludes birds, rats of the genus Rattus, and mice of the genus Mus, bred for use in research; horses not used for research purposes; and other farm animals, such as, but not limited to, livestock or poultry used or intended for use as food or fiber, or livestock or poultry used or intended for use for improving animal nutrition, breeding, management, or production efficiency, or for improving the quality of food or fiber. With respect to a dog, the term means all dogs, including those used for hunting, security, or breeding purposes.” (Emphasis added).
This exclusion was hardened by a 2002 amendment to the Farm Bill. This is therefore considered a settled legal manner. It is does, however, remain a gaping moral lapse. The ongoing inability–for reasons of cost–of North American regulatory agencies to provide and accounting of, and explicit protection for, the most commonly used animal in research should be an embarrassment to the industries and educational insititutions involved… and to the nation.
See also:
–Poll: Should rats and mice be added to the Animal Welfare Act for research?
–Animal Welfare Act: An Act for All
–Regulating Mice, Rats and Birds: ”The Scientists Center for Animal Welfare promotes excellence in science coupled with excellence in animal welfare. Therefore, we consider AWA coverage of all animals appropriate. SCAW has always included these warm-blooded animals in our educational programs. SCAW supports the principle that laboratory-bred rats, mice and birds should be included under USDA regulations.”
