Ethics of Animal Models of Neurological Diseases

Some people might wonder about the propriety of asking a laboratory animal veterinarian to author a chapter on the ethics of animal use in neuropsychiatric research. After all, she or he is part of the infrastructure that supports biomedical research rather than an independent ethicist or philosopher. On further reflection, however, it makes a lot of sense. Laboratory animal veterinarians are involved in making ethical decisions on a daily basis, decisions that directly affect the well-being of the animals used in biomedical research, teaching, and testing. They are involved (by law in some countries) in the research protocol review process. They are regularly involved in the management of facilities where research animals are housed and used. And in the animal room or laboratory, they are directly involved in ministering (providing veterinary care) to the animals being used, a vital aspect of which is the prevention and relief of pain and suffering. Veterinarians take the role of the “animal’s advocate” in this whole process.