Animal Ethics
Human civilizations have evolved over centuries from the time when philosophers like Descartes considered that non-humans were insentient “machines”. However, nonhuman living animals do perceive pain and have emotions. As alternative models are still inadequate, animal experiments remain prevalent in biomedical and medical research to advance human healthcare.
🔬 Biomedical Domains Using Animal Experiments
- Foundational biomedical research
- Developing treatments for diseases like AIDS, Alzheimer’s
- Harvesting antibodies, vaccines, hormones
- Preliminary drug/pollution safety testing
- Understanding genetic diseases
- Designing diagnostics
- Teaching and training
🧑🔬 Responsibilities of Scientists & Investigators
- Ensure proper housing and comfort of animals
- Avoid inhumane procedures, minimize pain and distress
- Use animals only when alternatives are not available
- Select healthy animals from approved genetic stock
🧬 5-R Minimization Strategy
- Replacement
- Reduction
- Refinement
- Rehabilitation
- Responsibility
🏢 Key Organizations / Centers in India
- NCLAS – Maintains genuine animal strains and offers training
- CDRI Lucknow – Specialized in primate research
- CCSEA – Monitors legal/ethical compliance in animal research
- Private NGOs – PETA, SPCA, Blue Cross etc. advocate animal welfare
All institutions must have an Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) to monitor research practices.
🔖 External Nominees (IAEC)
- Dr. R. Vadivelan – JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty
✉️ rv_sofia@rediffmail.com - Dr. M. Malarmathi – TANUVAS, Namakkal
✉️ murasumalarmathi@gmail.com - Dr. Abdul Rahman A. – ESI Medical College & Hospital
✉️ drabdulrahman7576@gmail.com - S. Muthu Krishnan – Sri Ramakrishna Paramedical Sciences
✉️ muthukrishnan.indian@gmail.com
👥 Internal Members (IAEC)
- Dr. M. Geethanjali – Chairperson, Biological Scientist
- Dr. L. Madhan – Member Secretary
- Dr. K. Prince – Veterinarian
- Mr. M. Srinivasan – Biological Scientist
- Dr. P. Hema – In-Charge of Animal House
🧾 Conclusion
India must continue to enhance animal care and uphold ethical research. While animal studies may benefit medicine, they must always be handled with care and compassion. Compliance with ethical standards, education, and lawful oversight are vital.