Abstract

The use of animals in higher education faces growing resistance by Chilean students and animal right movement activists. However, the sacrifice of animals is universally considered essential in teaching for disciplines and careers related to biology and both human and veterinary medicine. This paper reports the analysis of a group of Biochemistry students on the euthanasia of laboratory animals in the courses they had attended at the University. Some professors participate in the discussion and the preparation of the manuscript. The unanimous view of the authors is that the euthanasia must be a last resource in teaching, and that at all stages animal handling and surgery must be done by highly trained technicians under the direct supervision of veterinarians with formal training in animal welfare. Arguments are advanced to reduce the use of laboratory animals at University courses