Considering the interests of everyone who participates in our research requires us to take into account the interests of a wide group of people. The moral circle includes ourselves, our colleagues and, indeed, everyone. But does it extend even farther? How far?

Many animals are capable of pain and pleasure and most sentient species are protected by animal welfare laws. In addition to the law, many ethical theories require us to take into account the potential suffering of all sentient beings.

Does the moral circle extend beyond presently existing beings? To the extent that future generations--both human and nonhuman--will exist in the future, we must consider how our actions may affect them. Looking beyond the confines of our own small group is a way of expanding our horizons so as to take account of the needs of other species and people still to come.

Policies regulating animal use vary between countries. Animal research in the U.S. is regulated by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) of 1966 which requires that researchers provide a certain standard of care for their animals, although exceptions are allowed if such care would interfere with "the design, outlines, or guidelines of actual research or experimentation." Each institution is required to have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) that oversees research to make sure that it is in compliance with the AWA. This act was amended in 2002 to exclude birds, mice, and rats specifically bred for scientific research from its scope of protection. You can read the 1966 Animal Welfare Act, as well as its 2002 amendment by following the link on the bottom right hand corner of the screen. In order for a researcher in the U.S. to get federal funding, the research institution must meet the standards for the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. These standards are enforced by the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW). Birds, mice, and rats are not excluded from OLAW protection; in fact, all research on vertebrate species must meet the standards in the Guide. Moreover, many institutions require compliance with these regulations independently of the source of funding.

If you will be using animals in your research, be sure to ask your mentor for guidance in handling the particular species under your care.