Animals have been used in research since ancient times already. Originally they were used for anatomical and physiological demonstrations. Later they started to be used by another fields - microbiology, toxicology and pharmacology, surgery. Animal use is frequently implicated in relation to ethical problems. Actual view is based on biocentric opinion, which part is formed by „three R’s“ concept - reduction, replacement, refinement in animal use. Laws applied to animal use in Czech Republic are anchored in Law on Animal Protection and Decree of Ministry of Agriculture on Experimental Animal Use and Breeding. Owing to militant behaviour of organisations involved in aminal rights movement there is no adequate propagation of experiments, which are ethically and juridically clear and which particularly help mankind in a struggle against diseases.

        Key words: laboratory animals, legislation, ethics