Abstract

The use of animals in several areas dates back to recorded and written history. Much of our knowledge in science, medicine, and our understanding of the environment had depended in part on specific research using animal models. However, the regulation of its use, considering the welfare and ethical aspects, is very recent. Indeed, in the last decades, the regulations for protecting animals and their welfare have increased worldwide. This chapter exposes and analyses general and comparative aspects of the regulation of animal research, based on different directives, recommendations, and reports on animal experimentation welfare, derived mainly from the World organization for animal health (OIE), the European Union (EU), the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK). In addition, some regulations from other countries are mentioned to highlight the advances in preserving animal welfare. At the same time, the most accepted and implemented international guidelines, oriented to the correct use and care of laboratory animals according to international standards, are mentioned. In summary, the most critical aspects (but not the only ones) that must be known when using animals for research are highlighted, considering their legal and moral obligation. A general idea is offered on the legislation that affects animal experimentation, which essentially seeks to optimize animal welfare through responsible maintenance of them, considering the care and procedures, as well as the facilities where they are kept. In addition, many regulations (several of them emerging) consider the degree of sentience of each animal species. Accordingly, the regulation of animal use is constantly changing, adapting to the development of our knowledge of the sentience capacity of each species, the rights of animals, and the ethical-cultural aspects in each country or society. For this reason, this chapter only guides the reader regarding the regulation of the use of animals and in no case replaces the local laws or indications that must be complied with to carry out experimentation with animals in a responsible manner.