EU Approves New Rules for Lab Animals

Rules governing the use of animals in scientific experiments are the product of new EU legislation approved today by the European Parliament. The legislation aims for a better balance between animal welfare and the need for research into diseases.

EU member states will have two years to comply with new rules that aim to scale down the number of animals used for scientific purposes while not hindering research. The legislation requires national authorities to assess the animal welfare implications of each experiment done, while promoting alternative testing methods and reducing the levels of pain inflicted on animals. It also tightens rules on the use of primates in scientific experiments, by classifying tests according to severity and detailing the inspections needed to ensure compliance.

The use of animals in scientific experiments is allowed for basic research and for research into human, animal or plant diseases, drug testing and species preservation, and also for higher education and forensic investigations. Member states must ensure, however, that recognized alternative methods are used instead of animal testing. In addition, approval should be granted only to tests that use killing methods which cause the least pain or distress, while still providing scientifically satisfactory results.

The BBC is reporting that some animal rights groups, while pleased with the legislation, believe it does not go far enough. The UK-based anti-vivisection group BUAV told the BBC, “The dropped proposals include strong restrictions on the use of non-human primates, strong restrictions on re-using individual animals, and a clear ban on experiments which involve severe and prolonged suffering.”

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