Ducceschi L, Green N and Miller-Spiegel C. Dying to learn: The use of companion animals in U.S. colleges and universities [abstract]. ALTEX. 2009;26(Special Issue):224. Abstract 504


Abstract

Although Americans consider dogs and cats as household pets, many are harmed and killed for teaching and training purposes despite the availability of effective alternatives.

Based on a review of 92 U.S. public colleges' and universities' Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee's (IACUC) 2005-2007 records, 52% are using live or dead dogs and cats, and 26% are using live dogs and cats in harmful teaching exercises in undergraduate life science, veterinary, and medical education. A separate survey of university biology departments indicates that over half of the respondents are using cat cadavers to teach anatomy/physiology. In specific cases, IACUCs are failing to provide effective oversight to minimize animal use and suffering in education as required by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), even though federal resources for training exist to enhance the use of alternatives.

Sources of dogs and cats for education include Class A and Class B dealers (Random Source and Biological Supply companies). A review of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2005-2007 inspection reports reveal repeated violations and inhumane treatment, yet these dealers continue to sell thousands of dogs and cats annually to universities for use in education. Many of these animals were former pets obtained from pounds and shelters.

A growing number of universities, however, are changing their policies and replacing harmful animal use with pedagogi-cally sound alternatives. Detailed examples include Educational Memorial Programs (EMPs), Shelter Medicine, Surgical Simulations, and Virtual Dissection. Templates based on successful Student Choice Policies, and No Random Source Animals Policies are also provided.
 





Link to journal: ALTEX - Alternatives to Animal Experimentation