Bioethics in the Use of Experimental Animals

Abstract

This chapter deals with the history of the humanitarian use of animals in laboratory experiments from ancient times to the present day. It emphasizes the various criteria that have been established to try to improve the quality of life of an animal and its sacrifice with euthanasic techniques, since the emergence of Russell’s statement of the three Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinancing). In addition, there is a review of the application of bioethical principles in scientific institutions in developing countries, such as Mexico. It also reviews some aspects of the humanitarian treatment of experimental animals at the time of designing an experiment protocol.