The University of South Carolina recognizes that the use of laboratory animals for teaching and research is fundamental to advances in biology and medicine.  The momentum of discovery in the medical, biological, and behavioral sciences has steadily increased, and the application of this new knowledge has brought incalculable benefit to society.  Laboratory animals have played an indispensable role in these advances, and for the foreseeable future will continue to be essential to the success of our research and training programs.

The University recognizes that laboratory animals are sentient creatures. Their use is a privilege accompanied by an ethical and legal obligation for their humane care and handling. Individuals whose work requires them to use animals in research or instruction must understand and be committed to fulfilling the legal and moral responsibilities of such use.

The University of South Carolina endorses the Principles for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of the National Institutes of Health; has implemented the recommendations of The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (1996); and is complying, and will continue to comply, with the Animal Welfare Act and other applicable statues and regulations concerning the care and use of laboratory animals.