What are the Roman Catholic views on animal testing?

.

Catholic AnswerThe Church does not speak of "animal rights", that would be given them a dignity that they do not possess. However, they are due the respect that all mankind should bear towards all of God's creation, the Respect for the integrity of creation is covered under the Seventh Commandment: You shall not steal, (Ex 20:15; Deut 5:19; Mt 19:18) and is explained in paragraphs 2415-2417 of the Catechism:

from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, English translation 1994

2516 Animals are God's creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. (Cf. Mt 6:26; Dan 3:79-81.) Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals.

2417

God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image. (Cf. Gen 2:19-29; 9:1-4) Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.

2418

It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.