Legal bases

Keeping and using laboratory animals in animal experimentation is regulated by law by the Animal Welfare Act and more specific directives. Using an animal in an experiment must always be the ultima ratio. If other methods or processes are available which can be used in finding answers to scientific questions, then it is not allowed to carry out an experiment using an animal.

The number of animals to be used in an experiment is always to be restricted to an absolute minimum, as are the pain, suffering and harm to which the animals are subjected as a result of being used in experiments. In addition, any such pain, suffering and harm to be expected must always be ethically justifiable with regard to the knowledge expected to be gained.

Animal Welfare in Germany’s Constitution (Basic Law)

In 2002, animal welfare was included in Germany’s constitution as an objective to be pursued by the state. Article 20a of the Basic Law now declares:

“Mindful also of its responsibility towards future generations, the state shall protect the natural foundations of life and animals by legislation and, in accordance with law and justice, by executive and judicial action, all within the framework of the constitutional order.”

This ensures that animal welfare is given appropriate consideration in decisions requiring the weighing of interests.