Ethical Review of the Use of Animals in Research: A Reflection on the Journey

It is nearly forty years since the first committees were established to review the ethical acceptability of research using animals. Drivers for the establishment of these committees were the recognition that such activities presented ethical challenges and that, given the level of controversy in the wider community, scientists needed to demonstrate responsibility and accountability for their actions. There are some parallels in the establishment of these committees with human research ethics committees, which have been integral to acceptable standards for the conduct of human research since the 1960s. Notably, in both human and animal ethical review committees, the involvement of the wider community has been seen as important. However, unlike the situation for human research ethics committees, the ethical principles underlying the deliberations of animal ethical review committees have not been clearly enunciated. Animal ethical review committees now have been established in many countries, albeit with differences in their charter and standing reflecting historical experiences and cultural differences. These committees are variously referred to as Animal Care Committees, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, and Animal Ethics Committees. For the purposes of this paper these committees will be referred to collectively as animal ethics committees (AEC), with a specific focus on evidence of ethical review being either explicit or implicit in their charter. An overview of the development of AECs will be presented and the case made that, based on published reviews and reports, there are opportunities to strengthen this ethical review process significantly.