The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) articulates a strong position affirming the essential role of animal research in advancing both human and animal health, crediting such research with contributing to nearly every major medical breakthrough over the past century. The statement emphasizes the research community's steadfast commitment to the humane care and ethical use of animals, often exceeding the baseline requirements set by law. While acknowledging the ongoing controversy surrounding animal research—particularly recent activist actions involving intimidation or violence—COGR condemns any attempts to suppress research through such means, reaffirming the principles of academic freedom and the responsible conduct of scientific inquiry.
COGR calls on research institutions to review and bolster crisis management protocols regarding activist threats, and urges continued adherence to federal principles, laws, and policies such as the Animal Welfare Act. The statement outlines a series of ethical and procedural guidelines prioritizing animal welfare, scientific necessity, and the qualifications of personnel, as well as the minimization of pain and distress in research animals. Furthermore, COGR encourages ongoing institutional commitment to these standards and provides references to additional resources and regulatory bodies overseeing animal research, underlining the sector’s ongoing dedication to high ethical and scientific standards.
