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Animal experimentation: the continuing debate

Abstract

The use of animals in research and development has remained a subject of public debate for over a century. Although there is good evidence from opinion surveys that the public accepts the use of animals in research, they are poorly informed about the way in which it is regulated, and are increasingly concerned about laboratory-animal welfare. This article will review how public concerns about animal experimentation developed, the recent activities of animal-rights groups, and the opportunities and challenges facing the scientific community.

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Figure 1: Protesting against Huntingdon Life Sciences.

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FURTHER INFORMATION

The American Physiological Society

American Psychological Society

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Americans for Medical Progress

Animals in Medicines Research Information Centre

Association of Medical Research Charities

Biomedical Research Education Trust

Foundation for Biomedical Research

Research Defence Society

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Seriously Ill for Medical Research

Society for Neuroscience

UKLSC Animal Science Group

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Matfield, M. Animal experimentation: the continuing debate. Nat Rev Drug Discov 1, 149–152 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd727

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