Animal testing refers to the use of animals for scientific research. They can be used in scientific research for a variety of purposes, including studying biology, psychology and disease, testing pharmaceutical products, and cosmetics, among other products. Because such experiments are likely to cause suffering and death to animals, they are regulated to varying degrees in different countries and have generated ethical controversy.
In the United States, animal testing is regulated by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), under which the use of animal experiments is legal as long as there is a legitimate scientific purpose. Researchers are required to consider non-animal alternatives, avoid duplication, and administer pain relief without compromising the research. Animal research institutions must have committees to review compliance with these guidelines.
[Last updated in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]