Ethical Concerns of the Veterinarian in Relation to Experimental Animals and In Vivo Research

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The veterinarian’s primary responsibility is to safeguard animal health and public health, guided by the motto “Sanitas animalium pro salute homini” (the health of animals for the well-being of humans). However, there exists a distinct realm that operates separately from the core duties of veterinarians: the oversight of in vivo research. While animal studies are crucial for scientific advancement, they unfortunately involve the suffering and demise of numerous individuals. Veterinarians strive to heal animals, prevent diseases, and alleviate their pain, but in the case of animal experiments, these objectives are often unattainable. Instead of providing care, veterinarians witness the deliberate induction of various diseases, suffering, and death in animals. This situation raises ethical concerns and prompts the question of whether a veterinarian’s involvement in in vivo research conflicts with their professional deontology. This article, drawing on the definitions of ethics and deontology, examining human–animal relationships across historical periods, analyzing veterinarians’ codes of ethics in select European countries, and considering legal obligations concerning in vivo experiments, aims to provide insights and conclusions on this subject. ABSTRACT: Animal experiments, despite their controversial nature, play an indispensable role in scientific advancement and led to numerous significant discoveries. The supervision of veterinarians in the realm of in vivo research holds immense importance. However, this particular aspect of veterinary medicine, distinct from their other activities, can pose ethical challenges. Veterinarians are entrusted with the prevention of diseases, healing, and pain elimination, yet in the case of animal experiments, they witness intentional suffering and death. This article evaluates the ethical and professional deontological aspects of this issue. It explores the historical evolution of human–animal (including experimental) relationships and discusses how deontology stems from the definition of ethics. The article also examines codes of ethics for veterinarians, providing illustrative examples. It highlights that the actions of veterinarians in this domain align with their deontology and emphasises the role of veterinarians in in vivo research as viewed within current legal frameworks. In conclusion, the veterinarian’s participation in animal research is both ethically and deontologically justified, and it is also a legal requirement.