Medicina veterinária legal na criação e experimentação de animais de laboratório

Animal models in research are widely used in teaching and scientific research. However, there is no way to trust scientific data in activities that use animals whose health and welfare are affected, as they compromise the validity of scientific research data. This review is based on articles, research from the PubMed and Google Scholar platforms, and relevant books. It aims to identify and discuss the criteria and regulations for animal breeding and experimentation within the Legal Veterinary Medicine (MVL) context. In some cases, there is a need for legal and forensic investigations to assist with the legal issues involved in animal breeding and experimentation. In recent years, the MVL in Brazil has grown, reaching significant technical and scientific advancements which play an important role in guiding legal and forensic issues. Regulation and legislation for the use of animals in the laboratory, teaching, and research includes guidelines for animal health services, public health, environmental health, and biosafety. They are ruled by government actions, among which the following stand out: Law No. 11,794/2008, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply-MAPA, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation-MCTI, together with the National Council for the Control of Animal Experimentation-CONCEA and the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine-CFMV. Regulatory requirements challenge MVL and the law. Intense discussions still relate to the health and well-being of laboratory animals, since some facilities do not meet the obligations for the animals, the public, and environmental health control, in addition to the fact that there are risks affecting workers' health, indicating the need for increased attention to biosafety and public health. To comply with regulations, legislation, and humanitarian obligations regarding the use of animals in teaching and research, MVL and veterinary forensics emerge as important technical and scientific support in guiding legal matters related to the breeding and experimentation of laboratory animals.