The vast majority of these animals were bred specifically for research. There are no laws or government regulations to protect research animals. Anything can happen to them. The Animal Welfare Act sets high standards of care for research animals with regard to their housing, feeding, cleanliness, ventilation and medical needs. It also requires the use of anesthesia or analgesic drugs for potentially painful procedures and during post-operative care.
Researchers are indifferent to the well being of animals.
For humane, compassionate and scientific reasons, researchers are deeply concerned about the condition of the animals they study. Scientists cannot afford to mistreat animals because poor care and treatment results in unreliable research data. For study results to be reliable, animal subjects must be in good condition and appropriately healthy. Also, we believe that pain and distress have a negative impact on the immune system so researchers are careful to protect their animals from undue stress. Their respect for the dignity of life and compassion for the sick and disabled, in fact, is what motivated them to search for ways of relieving the pain and suffering caused by diseases.