Use and Care of Laboratory Animals: California's Law

A law relating to the use and care of laboratory animals has been constructively administered by the California State Department of Public Health for more than 12 years. It was sponsored by leaders in medical and other science education and by those responsible for laboratory animal care. The law has been tested in the courts and found to be sound and workable. The general level of animal care has improved, and this is expected to continue. The cost of administration is covered partly by license fees and partly by the department's service budget. Consideration of this experience may be useful to other States. An expansion of this principle in care of laboratory animals may possibly eliminate the need for Congressional action.