The future of animals in research and teaching. The European scene

There is an active debate in Europe about the issue of how best to achieve the advances in biology, medicine, and safety assessment which rely on the use of experimental animals, while at the same time providing adequate safeguards for the animals and guidance for those involved in the experiments. On the one hand, public opinion suggests that society is striving toward higher standards of safety and health, while on the other, there is a movement (sometimes vociferous and violent) to reduce or abolish the use of animals for experimental purposes. Against this background the current National and European Economic Community legislation is reviewed, revealing that all countries have some form of legislation currently in force, which demands the testing of chemicals and also which restricts and controls the use of animals. The 21 member countries of the Council of Europe are about to ratify a Convention on the Use of Vertebrate Animals for Experimental Purposes. This convention will form the basis for changes in legislation anticipated over the next few years in member countries. The main issues which are shaping legislation and hence the use of animals are discussed. They include the need to provide purpose-bred animals whenever possible; the way in which legislation is influenced by the issues of pain; the controls by means of certificates, licenses, inspections, and ethical committees available to government authorities; the need for statistics of use of animals; the impact on toxicity testing; and the likely developments in the future. In conclusion, the way in which scientific advances can alter perceptions of regulatory requirements is exemplified by consideration of acute toxicity testing.