ETHICAL AND LEGAL APPROACH TO ANIMAL RESEARCH: VIETNAM HAS MUCH TO LEARN FROM NEW ZEALAND’S LAW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v22.n3.3539Keywords:
New Zealand, Vietnam, Animal Ethics, Biomedical Research, Legal FrameworksAbstract
Animal research refers to the use of animals in various scientific activities such as observation, experimentation, testing, and education. This practice has generated widespread ethical debate, especially concerning the legal and moral boundaries of animal welfare. Policymakers face the challenge of balancing animal rights with human interests and reconciling protective standards with economic demands. In New Zealand, the use of animals in research and education is guided by the Three Rs principle: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. This framework reflects a national commitment to humane and responsible scientific practice. In contrast, Vietnam, despite mentioning animal use in laws related to animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, lacks a unified legal system dedicated to animal protection. This gap highlights the need for Vietnam and other developing countries to study and adopt ethical and legal models from nations like New Zealand to strengthen their approach to animal welfare in research and education.
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