Approval of animal experiments

Animal experiments are subject to strict ethical and legal regulations. Every animal experiment in Switzerland requires a license and is reviewed carefully by the cantonal veterinary office and the responsible animal experiment committee. This process usually takes four to five months. The application for authorisation includes a description of the research objective, the interventions and measures planned, the time schedule, the amount of stress the animals are expected to suffer, the monitoring of the animals during the experiment and the criteria defining when an animal experiment is terminated. It also describes and provides statistical justification for the study design and explains why the animal models selected are appropriate for addressing the research question. The final requirement is the compilation of a harm-benefit analysis. This provides the approval authority with a basis for assessing whether an animal experiment is justified. ETH Zurich's Animal Welfare Officers assist researchers in preparing applications and review them prior to their submission to the Cantonal Veterinary Office. The cantonal authorities approve or reject the application. In the case of burdening animal experiments, it consults the Cantonal Animal Welfare Commission, which issues a recommendation.

external page The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office supervises the inspection activities of the Cantonal Veterinary Offices. It can lodge an appeal against a licence issued or order its amendment

To be authorised to carry out animal experiments in Switzerland, researchers must undergo basic training that varies according to their role in animal testing and regular continuous education courses. external page The Institute for Laboratory Animal Science (LTK) at the University of Zurich, in collaboration with the ETH Zurich, offers recognised training courses.

A further requirement is the existence of animal husbandry facilities approved by the cantonal veterinary authorities.