Animal Research for Life

Controls on the use of animals are already strict

A number of international, European and national legislations complement the self-regulatory approaches and good practice exchange that are already well established amongst research establishments.

International

In 1986, the Council of Europe adopted the European Convention for the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (1986, ETS 123). It concerns the use of animals in procedures (experiments) and covers areas such as care and accommodation, conduct of experiments, humane killing, authorisation procedures, control of breeding or supplying and user establishments, education and training, and statistical information. The Convention includes two technical Appendices presenting respectively guidelines for accommodation and care of animals (Appendix A) and tables for the presentation of statistical data on the use of animals for scientific purposes (Appendix B).

European Union

In parallel, the European Union adopted Directive 86/609/EEC on the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes. It aims to harmonise national provisions covering the welfare of animals used for experimental and scientific purposes. The Directive includes measures related to the use of experimental animals such as their housing and care, requirements for the autho- risation of persons and establishments and the minimisation of pain, suffering and distress of these animals. Directive 86/609 set limitations on the use of certain species, e.g. non-human primates, and requires that where alternative methods exist, animal experiments should not performed. Directive 86/609 is currently under review to adapt this text to scientific and technological developments.

In 1997, Member States adopted the Protocol on Animal Welfare to the Treaties of Amsterdam. This aims to ensure improved protection and respect for the welfare of animals as sentient beings, Member States decided that animal welfare should be considered in all European policies related to agriculture, transport, the internal market and research.

National

Directive 86/609 is implemented by each member state in a set of national regulations. National implementing measures have to be notified to the Commission.