Breakthrough: controversial primate experimentation banned by Swiss Federal Court
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University of Zurich have been fighting for the resumption of the primate experiments that were stopped last year. The case has now been decided by the Federal Court – in favor of the primates and their dignity. The foundation Animalfree Research salutes this decision as a milestone in the humane treatment of these social and highly evolved experimental animals.
In January 2006 the researchers of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University of Zurich applied at the cantonal veterinary office for permission to perform animal experiments. The aim was to illuminate the processes in the brain after damage, using rhesus monkeys. The veterinary office approved the experiments.
Objection by the animal experimentation commission
The animal experimentation commission objected to this approval at the cantonal health department. This objection was based on the violation of the animals’ dignity and on the fact, that the expected knowledge gains could not be justified by the distresds to the animals. Specifically, the depletion of fluids employed for motivating the macaques to cooperate was harshly critizised. The health department followed this reasoning and recalled the permissions. The researchers filed a complaint at the administrative court. After the court had affirmed the health department’s decision, the researchers turned to the Federal Court. Its decision was awaited with suspense and has now been presented – in favor of the primates.
Meticulous ponderingin favor of the animal’s dignity
For the first time ever in Switzerland animal experiments were obviated by a legal process and justified with the animals’ dignity. It remains to be seen if this is a breakthrough in the permission practice of animal experiments – but this success naturally raises hopes that the dignity of animals will have a greater weight in the authorization procedure and applications are granted only with the greatest reticence. This is not about jeopardizing the location for researchers; it is about achieving a meticulous pondering process in the granting of primate experiments, which adequately takes the animal’s dignity into account.
We replace animal experiments
Animalfree Research wants to protect animal welfare and animal dignity by replacing and substantially reducing animal experiments. The former foundation "FFVFF" has applied itself to this for more than 30 years- now with a changed name but unchanged enthusiasm.
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Pain recognition and alleviation in laboratory rabbits
Pain recognition and alleviation in laboratory animals: one of our research projects is completed. The results call on us to act. Please assist us with this.
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