Expert panel will support the approval of animal experiments in southern Hesse
Two new animal welfare commissions were established at the Darmstadt Regional Council on Monday. They will support the state authority over the next three years in deciding on the approval of animal experiments in southern Hesse. Some of the members were again appointed at the suggestion of animal welfare organizations.
"Through their expert opinions, the commissions are making an important contribution to keeping the number of animal experiments in South Hesse as low as possible," explained District President Prof. Dr. Jan Hilligardt. The goal, in accordance with the 3R principle , is to avoid animal experiments (replacement), reduce the number of animals used (reduction), and limit the stress on the animals to the necessary minimum (refinement). Hilligardt thanked the commission members for their voluntary commitment and presented their appointment certificates.
Tasks and composition
A total of 14 people were appointed to one of the two committees for the first time. Many other members have years of experience working with animal testing. All members committed to conscientious, impartial, and confidential performance of their duties.
The committees adopted their own rules of procedure at a joint meeting and each elected a chair and two deputies. In the future, the committees will meet alternately approximately every two weeks.
According to the Animal Welfare Act, the committees advise the RP on all decisions regarding animal testing applications. They examine, among other things, whether:
- the project is essential according to the state of science,
- the research objectives can also be achieved using alternative methods,
- the number of animals used can be reduced,
- Stress for animals can be further reduced,
- the animal species used are appropriately selected and
- the tests are carried out in an environmentally friendly manner.
The commissions thus make a significant contribution to ensuring compliance with animal welfare and scientific standards in southern Hesse.
( DARMSTADT – RED/RPDA)
Featured image: The two animal welfare commissions, Prof. Dr. Jan Hilligardt, and the official veterinarians of the RP after the inaugural meeting. Photo: RP Darmstadt.
