* Commercial breeders: These are companies that specialize in breeding animals for research purposes. The animals are typically purpose-bred to have specific characteristics that make them suitable for testing, such as a particular genetic makeup or susceptibility to a specific disease.
* Animal shelters: Some laboratories obtain animals from animal shelters or rescue organizations. These animals may have been abandoned or surrendered by their owners, or they may have been seized by animal control authorities.
* Research institutions: Some laboratories maintain their own breeding colonies of animals for research purposes. These colonies are typically used to produce animals with specific genetic characteristics or to study the effects of long-term exposure to a particular substance or condition.
The acquisition of animals for laboratory testing is a carefully regulated process, and laboratories must adhere to strict guidelines and regulations to ensure the welfare of the animals.
These regulations include:
* Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses: Laboratories must obtain the appropriate permits and licenses from the government or regulatory body in order to conduct animal testing.
* Ensuring the animals are healthy and well-cared for: Laboratory animals must be housed in clean, comfortable, and safe conditions and must be provided with a diet that meets their nutritional needs. They must also be given access to veterinary care and must be monitored regularly for signs of illness or distress.
* Following the principles of the 3Rs: The 3Rs are a set of principles that guide the use of animals in research, testing, and education. The 3Rs are:
- Replacement: Whenever possible, animals should be replaced with non-animal alternatives, such as cell cultures or computer models.
- Reduction: The number of animals used in research should be reduced to the minimum necessary to achieve the scientific goals.
- Refinement: Procedures should be modified to minimize pain and distress to the animals.