May 13, 2010

EU members sign new animal testing rules

The EU has agreed on new rules governing local animal testing to finally replace the outdated Directive 86/609/EC on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, which is almost a quarter century old.

Eurogroup for Animals welcomes the council's decision but remains concerned that the new EU law does not fully reflect the high level of public concern about the use of animals in experiments and does not go far enough in promoting the use of non-animal alternatives.

A revision of the rules on the use of animals in experiments was urgently required as the 1986 legislation did not take into account new scientific developments, greater knowledge of the physical and behavioural needs of animals and new applications of animal use, which called for more stringent regulation. Scientists also increasingly found animal tests to be unreliable.

"We believe that the compromise reached between the EU institutions is a positive step forward but still not the U-turn needed to adequately protect animals used in research. It is disappointing that issues including a proper system of authorisation of animal use and of ethical review, and minimal standards for animal accommodation and care proved so controversial. If industry and researchers continue to use animals, they should provide them with suitable housing and limit their use to the minimum," said Sonja Van Tichelen, Director of Eurogroup for Animals.

In addition, the proposed rules move towards better promotion of the 3Rs principle - replacement, reduction and refinement - of animal tests, but Eurogroup is very disappointed because of the removal of the obligation to use alternatives to animal tests where they are reasonably and practicably available. This requirement should be central to all animal experimentation legislation and its removal constitutes a step backward where the EU should have really taken a lead role for the promotion of humane research.