Animals in Teaching and Research in the Americas: Analysis of Legislation.

Abstract

The use of animals in teaching and research dates back over 2,000 y BCE. However, animal protection laws and regulatory agencies only emerged in the 19th century CE. This study provides a qualitative comparative analysis of legislation related to the use of animals in teaching and research activities across 35 American countries. The research evaluated key aspects, including the direct or indirect constitutional recognition of animal protection, the presence of specific or general laws, the establishment and regulation of animal care and use committees, adherence to the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) principle, and requirements for facilities, animal care, and personnel. The results revealed significant heterogeneity in regulatory frameworks, with only a few countries having specific laws (8 out of 35), while most rely on general animal protection laws (32 out of 35), with or without specific provisions on the subject. Animal care and use committees, despite their importance, are not universally mandatory, and their regulatory structures vary widely, with legislation explicitly regulating them found in only 9 of the 35 countries analyzed. The 3Rs principle is present in most countries, with "refinement" being the most commonly observed, followed by "replacement" and "reduction." In addition, legal provisions regarding requirements for facilities, housing and care of animals, and personnel responsible for their use and welfare were largely absent in the legislation analyzed, often supplemented by nonmandatory international guidelines. This study highlights the need for standardized regulations that can help achieve animal welfare, maintain ethical practices, and promote greater consistency in oversight mechanisms across the Americas.