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An expert panel will provide support in the future for the approval of animal experiments in southern Hesse
Two new animal welfare commissions were constituted at the Darmstadt Regional Council on Monday. They will support the state authority over the next three years in deciding on permits for animal experiments in southern Hesse. Some of the members were reappointed based on nominations from animal welfare organizations.
“Through their expert opinions, the commissions make an important contribution to keeping the number of animal experiments in southern Hesse as low as possible,” explained Regional President Prof. Dr. Jan Hilligardt. The goal, he explained, is to avoid animal experiments (Replacement), reduce the number of animals used (Reduction), and limit the burden on the animals to the absolute minimum (Refinement), in accordance with the 3Rs principle. Hilligardt thanked the commission members for their voluntary commitment and presented them with their certificates of appointment.
Tasks and composition
A total of 14 people were appointed to one of the two commissions for the first time. Many other members have years of experience working on animal testing. All members pledged to perform their duties conscientiously, impartially, and confidentially.
The commissions adopted rules of procedure in a joint meeting and each elected a chairperson and two vice-chairpersons. Going forward, the committees will meet alternately approximately every two weeks.
According to the Animal Welfare Act, the commissions advise the regional council on all decisions regarding applications for animal testing. Among other things, they examine whether:
- the project is essential according to the current state of science,
- that the research goals can also be achieved with alternative methods,
- the number of animals used can be reduced,
- Stress on animals can be further reduced,
- the animal species used are appropriately chosen and
- The experiments will be conducted in an environmentally friendly manner.
In this way, the commissions 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 official veterinarians of the Regional Council after the inaugural meeting. Photo: Regional Council Darmstadt.
