Legal aspects and ethical standards of using animals in scientific research

Abstract

The use of animals in scientific research, particularly in biomedical, pharmacological, and veterinary fields, is an important component of scientific progress. However, numerous ethical issues arise regarding their welfare and humane treatment. The aim of this study is to analyze the ethical and legal aspects of using animals in scientific experiments, especially in biomedical and veterinary fields, as well as to evaluate the regulatory acts. A combined approach was used, including theoretical analysis and research of regulatory acts and scientific publications through PubMed and Google Scholar databases. European legislation actively regulates this issue through documents such as Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and Council. It defines the principles of humane treatment of animals, including minimizing their use in research, applying alternative methods (Replacement), reducing the number of animals (Reduction), and improving experimental methods (Refinement). Moreover, each scientific project involving the use of animals must undergo ethical review, conducted by a commission consisting of specialists in science, ethics, and veterinary medicine. This ensures a balance between scientific needs and animal rights. In Ukraine, there is also a gradual development of legislation regarding animal rights protection. In particular, the Law of Ukraine «On the Protection of Animals from Cruelty» establishes the basic principles of humane treatment of animals. However, there are significant issues, including the insufficient clarity of some provisions, which may be ambiguously interpreted. Additionally, the requirements for using animals in scientific research remain insufficiently strict, and the control over their enforcement is ineffective.

Thus, to achieve higher standards of animal protection in Ukraine, it is necessary to improve the legislation, specify norms, and strengthen control over their compliance. It is important to create a system that ensures humane treatment of animals in all spheres, including scientific research, veterinary medicine, daily life, and cultural institutions. Only through continuous improvement of legal mechanisms can an effective balance between scientific progress and the ethics of using animals in research be achieved.