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Association for Research in
Otolaryngology
Animal Research Committee
Policy Statement on the Use
of Animals
in Research and Teaching
Studies employing the judicious and appropriate
use of animals for biomedical research have saved
countless lives and have improved the quality of
life and medical care for millions of people
worldwide. The Association for Research in
Otolaryngology (ARO) recognizes that scientific and
medical knowledge developed through animal research
has made possible many of the most effective
diagnostic methods and treatments now available to
the field of otolaryngology. Continued progress in
many areas of otolaryngology research requires the
use of living animals in order to investigate
complex systems and functions because, in such
cases, no alternatives exist.
We also recognize that the use of living animals
is the only way in which many of the basic skills
and concepts of our discipline can be effectively
transmitted to future generations of scientists and
practitioners. Whereas traditional pedagogic
methods augmented with more modern tools, such as
computer models, are important adjuncts to the
learning experience, they do not substitute for
examining the complex, poorly understood
interactions that take place in living systems.
The use of living animals in properly designed
otolaryngology research and teaching is, therefore,
both ethical and necessary. The ARO supports the
judicious use of animals in continuing research and
teaching of professionals being trained in
otolaryngology.
This support by the ARO for the use of animals
in research is predicated on the humane and ethical
treatment of the research animals to ensure that
they are not used needlessly and that they are
spared all unnecessary pain and distress. The ARO
policy is the strict adherence to all appropriate
federal, state, local and institutional laws, rules
and guidelines that regulate animal use in
research. All personnel undertaking procedures
using animals must be qualified through training
and experience to perform these procedures in a
humane and scientifically appropriate manner.
Studies which utilize animals should undergo
periodic review by appropriate institutional
authorities, such as Institutional Animal Care and
Use Committees, to assure that these requirements
are met.
Finally, we are cognizant of the fact that the
majority of the public recognizes this necessity
and supports such use. This places a special
obligation on ARO members to inform the public on
how research is carried out and why it is
important.
First Adopted: February 23, 1990
Last Revised: February 3, 2004
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