Exploratory study on the use of alternative methods in substitution to non-human animals

Abstract

The use of animals in the research and teaching is not new in Science. This practical comes exciting moral conflicts in the current society, argued in the scope of Animal Ethics. It is in this area that the substitution of animals for alternatives methods gains space, being frequently boarded. In Brazil, the approval of the Law 11.794/08, regulated by Decree 6,899/09 has stimulated debate about this thematic. The search of the subject for health professionals (included biology) – considering that this segment will be directly affected by the legislation – led to the proposal of this research in our university. The analysis of answers allowed us to conclude that the percentage of professors worried about the subject is small. Of the sample, a significant number positioned itself as intent to welfare, pain and reduction of the number of animals, accepting the alternatives and not opposing to test them. Many respondents, however, affirm to be unaware of the alternative methods.