Success in the protection of laboratory animals: more transparency and animal welfare

To mark the World Day for Laboratory Animals, the German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has drawn up an interim assessment. "Whether substitute methods or mathematical models for reducing the number of animals in experiments, there are already many new approaches to reducing conventional experiments on animals," says BfR President Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel. "The National Committee for the Protection of Laboratory Animals has become an integral part of our Bf3R. It allows Germany to consolidate its commitment to protecting laboratory animals nationally and internationally and to create more animal welfare." The Animal Study Registry created by the Bf3R also aims to further improve both the transparency and the quality of research to avoid unnecessary animal experiments.

The BfR is tasked with the “National Committee for the Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes” - in short, the National Committee for the German Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG) - for the Federal Republic of Germany. The National Committee advises the responsible German authorities and animal protection committees on matters dealing with the acquisition, breeding, accommodation, care and use of animals in procedures based on the German Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG). The National Committee guarantees that there is an exchange of information on the operation of animal welfare bodies and project evaluation in Germany and shares best practices within the European Union.

With its legislative work, it ensures that Germany is increasingly committed to the protection of laboratory animals nationally and internationally and that more animal welfare is strengthened. The work of the National Committee is practice-based and reaches science directly.

The National Committee for the German Animal Welfare Act:

Animal Study Registry:

The Animal Study Registry is a study registry for animal experiments, which was launched online in January 2019 at the Bf3R. The aim of the database is to improve the quality of scientific studies and to contribute to the publication of study results that did not lead to the desired study result. These experiments may contain important information for other scientists, therefore avoiding animal experiments.

Tasks and goals of the Bf3R:

About Bf3R

The German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) was founded in 2015 and is an integral part of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). It co-ordinates all activities nationwide with the goals of restricting animal experiments to only those which are considered essential, and guaranteeing the best possible protection for laboratory animals. Moreover, it intends to stimulate global research activities and encourage scientific dialogue.

About the BfR

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Germany. The BfR advises the Federal Government and the States ('Laender') on questions of food, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.

This text version is a translation of the original German text which is the only legally binding version.


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