Current Attempts to Prevent the Use of Animals in Medical Research

Abstract

THE CURRENT strategy of the animal welfare and antivivisection groups in the United States is assert that the use of living vertebrate animals in research is not essential progress in medical science. Their lobbying activities have induced some 50 members of Congress introduce or cosponsor one of four bills in the House of Representatives, promote so-called alternative methods the use of living animals in medical research and toxicity testing. The most strongly supported bill is HR 4805, called the Research Modernization Act. Another measure that has very strong animal humane society support is HR 6847, to amend the Animal Welfare Act insure the humane treatment of laboratory animals. Both bills would impede scientific research. These bills, which did not pass in the 96th Congress, will probably be introduced in the 97th Congress with new numbers. The scientific and medical communities should be alerted