Animal Research

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter investigates whether animals used in research should be described as a particularly vulnerable group. First, it inquires whether research animals currently receive the protection they are due, and concludes that they do not. Indeed, it is shown that the research standards currently guiding animal research insufficiently protect animals’ basic claims. Consequently, many research animals can be considered particularly vulnerable, insofar as they run an increased risk of not receiving what they are due. Second, it argues that for animal research to be ethical, it must be made more similar to research with humans, and it is outlined what research respecting animals’ claims could look like in practice.