Animals in Research - What's new

Although the CFHS recognizes that many improvements have been made to ensure that a minimum number of animals are used in medical and cosmetic testing and research, we would like to see more alternatives used, particularly for cosmetic testing where the use of animals is not required by law. There are several non-animal research models that can also be used to help scientists and researchers ...

Animals have been used in medical testing for centuries, but the practice has faced growing opposition, resulting in an increase in regulations for medical testing and the development of some non-animal alternatives. There are two main types of medical research: basic and applied. Basic, also known as fundamental research, allows researchers to discover more about the relationship between ...

Although the law requires that animals be used for medical testing in Canada, animals are not required for cosmetic testing. Yet in many cases animals are still used, particularly to test the ingredients used in cosmetic products. According to Canadian law, a cosmetic is defined as “a product which cleanses, improves or alters the complexion, skin, hair or teeth.” Cosmetic manufacturers ...

Who’s watching? In the 1960s the Medical Research Council realized the need for regulation and improvement of the care and use of experimental animals in Canada, and asked the National Research Council to create a committee for this purpose. The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC…) was established with the recommendation of the committee in 1982 as a non profit and ...

Since the 1960s, the CFHS has taken a lead role in improving the welfare of animals used in research in Canada. This section provides information on some of the key issues in this area, and the CFHS’ ongoing activities.