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Animal experimentation in general

The conduct of animal experiments is regulated by law in Switzerland to ensure that animals are treated as humanely as possible in experiments. Before scientists are allowed to conduct research on animals, they must complete specific training, attend continuing education courses, and apply for an authorisation from the cantonal veterinary office for every experiment.

How do we ensure that experiments are conducted in accordance to regulations?
Permission must be obtained from the appropriate Cantonal Veterinary Office for every animal experiment conducted in Switzerland.
What is the 3Rs principle?
Replace, Reduce, Refine: The 3Rs are the guiding principles for animal experimentation in Switzerland today.
Image: Laurent Mouchiroud
How many animal experiments are conducted?
The number of animals used for animal testing today is much lower than in the 1990s.
Image: BLV/OSAV/FSVO
Why not just ban animal testing?
Research might be carried out outside Europe, where animal welfare conditions are often worse.
Image: National Institutes of Health (NIH)