Abstract

The use of animals in experimental research dates back to ancient Greece, and there has been debate over the ethics of using animals in this way for hundreds of years; however, this debate has intensified over recent decades. The scientific and technological advances brought about by experimental research using animals are undeniable, and have substantially contributed to the progress of medicine and the increased life expectancy of humans. These advances have had a profound impact on our society and lifestyle. However, the growing use of laboratory animals in modern Science has raised a number of questions, including whether or not it is ethical to use animals in biomedical research, and whether the research findings are translatable to humans. It is the purpose of this chapter to review some of the scientific advances brought about through experimental research with animals, together with some of the moral dilemmas that scientists must face when seeking to test their hypotheses using live animals.