Let’s talk about something that need everybody’s attention. In response to concerns raised by the research community, the European Parliament has made several amendments to its draft legislation concerning animal experiments. These proposed laws, pushed by the European Commission since 2015, aim to dramatically revamp the current regulatory framework, taking into account new ethical considerations and advocating for a reduction in the use of animals for experimental purposes.
Under the existing 2010 Directive on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes, EU-wide regulatory criteria provide flexibility regarding the choice of species used in different types of research. The proposed laws, however, take a different approach, emphasizing the use of non-animal alternatives whenever possible. Such changes could potentially challenge existing research methodologies, especially in fields like drug testing where animal research is often the only viable option.
The draft laws were met with widespread criticism from both the scientific community and animal welfare advocates when first presented in December 2017. Responding to this backlash, the Commission revised the legislation, releasing an updated draft in September 2018. While this revised document still called for higher care standards for research animals, it relaxed some requirements, such as limiting primate research only to life-threatening or debilitating conditions, thus providing researchers with some flexibility.
Further modifications were made by the European Parliament’s agriculture committee, in an attempt to balance ethical considerations with the practical needs of researchers. Although these changes relax some constraints, the primary focus remains on reducing animal research as much as possible.
The European Union continues to prioritize high ethical standards in animal research, even if it necessitates reducing the number of studies conducted. This approach, while ensuring better animal welfare, also brings about ethical dilemmas, especially given that many experiments inherently involve some degree of physical and/or mental distress for the animals.
While considering animal welfare is essential, it is also critical to maintain the integrity of the scientific method. Research organizations must find a balance between the “Three Rs” — replacement, reduction, and refinement — and achieving their scientific objectives.
The European Parliament’s agriculture committee’s proposed amendments suggest that the European Union is open to feedback from both the scientific community and animal welfare advocates. However, further dialogue is necessary before finalizing the legislation, ensuring a balance between scientific progress and animal welfare.
The draft legislation, approved by a 77-43 vote in the European Parliament’s Environment Committee, aims to update and enhance animal welfare regulations for research animals. The laws seek to minimize the use of primates “in principle”, and promote alternative methodologies when possible. They also call for improvements in living conditions for research animals and increased transparency in reporting, requiring a detailed list of species used in each study.
European lawmakers are now poised to redefine the rules governing animal research, seeking alignment with evolving technology and ethical considerations. The proposed changes will strengthen the protection of animals used in research, aiming to reduce the number of animals used in experiments, while maintaining a high standard of research.
“The European Union will soon have the highest standards of experimental animal welfare in the world,” stated European Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik. Significant changes include mandatory ethical evaluations prior to project authorization, upgrading housing and care standards, and the introduction of stricter restrictions on the use of primates and a ban on using great apes.
The new legislation anchors the “Three Rs” principle of replacing, reducing, and refining animal testing. It promotes efforts to find alternative testing methods and mandates the establishment of a Reference Laboratory at the EU level to coordinate and promote the development and use of such alternatives.
The Member States will have 24 months to adopt and publish national legislation to transpose these provisions. The new Directive will take effect on 1 January 2013.
Main source: https://www.nature.com/articles/458692b