The first reports of animals being used in scientific
experiments date from the fifth century BC. More intensive
use of animals in science, however, started in the
beginning of the 19th century. Several scientific advances
in health have been attributed to animal models.
The issue of the moral status of animal has often
been debated; many philosophers thought about this topic,
but controversies remain to this day and no consensus
has been reached about the status of animals relative to
human beings1
.
There used to be no laws regulating animal use in
scientific experiments in Brazil; at that time, guidelines
and principles elaborated by domestic and international
organizations were applied. Recently, Law no
. 11.794/08
(Arouca Law), which defines procedures for using animals
in science, was sanctioned2
.
Several animal species are used in otorhinolaryngology
research; each area of this specialty has specific
animal models.
The purpose of this paper is to present a historical
review and a summary of the current laws to guide
researchers that intend to use animal models in their
research projects