ILAR

The ILAR (Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources) is an institute that prepares authoritative reports on the care and use of laboratory animals and develops and makes available scientific and technical information on laboratory animals and other biological research resources.

ILAR promotes a high standard of humane animal care and the appropriate use of animals and alternatives. ILAR functions within the mission of the National Academy of Sciences as an advisor to the federal government, the biomedical research community, and the public. 

ILAR publishes about thematic topics. Most issues are available online. The articles in which humane endpointsHumane endpoint The moment in the experiment at which pain and/or distress experienced by the investigational animal is ended or alleviated by either killing the animal humanely or by discontinuing the procedure. are a central focus can be found here. Particularly relevant with respect to humane endpoints are the following issues: 

In addition, ILAR has published reports related to the topic of humane endpoints:

Below, two relevant quotations from this report are provided:

“In the case of a pressing health problem, if the responsible person (e.g., investigator) is not available or if the investigator and veterinary staff cannot reach consensus on treatment, the veterinarian must have the authority (…) to treat the animal, remove it from the experiment, institute appropriate measures to relieve severe painPain The negative sensory or emotional experience that indicates awareness in the animal of injury or the threat of injury to the body. This negative experience induces changes in an animal’s behavior and physiology, intended to limit the effect of, or avoid the injury, to reduce the chances of repeated injury and to promote recovery. or distressDistress It indicates a disadvantageous environment in which the animal is no longer able to adapt in a biologically successful manner to the stressors to which it is exposed. One speaks of distress when the level or the duration of stress are such that significant changes in biological function are required to survive., or perform euthanasiaEuthanasia Killing by applying methods that rapidly lead to unconsciousness and death without pain or discomfort to the animal. Methods for euthanasia can be divided into mechanical and physical. if necessary.” (page 114) 

“Euthanasia may be planned and necessary at the end of a protocol or as a means to relieve pain or distress that cannot be alleviated by analgesicsAnalgesics Medication administrated in order to suppress pain (analgesia). There are several classes of analgesics, such as opiates (e.g., buprenorphine), local analgesics (e.g., lidocaine), and NSAIDs (e.g., ketoprofen)., sedativesSedatives Chemical agents that cause sedation., or other treatments. Criteria for euthanasia include protocol-specific endpoints (such as degree of a physical or behavioral deficit or tumorTumor Neoplasm, new growth. Is predicated upon autonomous growth of cells or tissues into benign or malignant tumors. size) that will enable a prompt decision by the veterinarian and the investigator to ensure that the endpoint is humane and, whenever possible, the scientific objective of the protocol is achieved.” (page 123)

More information

More information can be found on the ILAR website.