ALTEX :: Alternatives to Animal Experiments

1999, VOLUME 3

ZEBET: Institutionalised Co-operation between Animal Welfare, Industry and the Government

Brigitte Rusche

Akademie für Tierschutz, D-Neubiberg

SUMMARY

In Germany, more than 10 years ago, there was agreement between the industry and the animal welfare movement that a focal point is needed, in particular on national, governmental level, to promote the use and the application of alternative methods. Together with remarkable support from the German government this agreement has been transformed into an institution that since its foundation in 1989 has received a world-wide reputation and acknowledgement from all interest groups involved: ZEBET.

Of course, ZEBET is not an animal welfare organisation. However, at ZEBET the opinions of animal welfare representatives are respected and taken into account via a formal route which is essential for this institution. From the beginning, the animal welfare community was involved in the organisation and operation of ZEBET, and it still is: Animal welfare representatives participate in ZEBET's Scientific Advisory Committee--just as representatives from industry and the government.

This open communication platform is one of the main reasons why there is constructive co-operation between animal welfare, industry, and the government at ZEBET in spite of sometimes conflicting positions of these interest groups. This collaboration has proven to be fruitful in many senses. What is still needed is another type of co-operation: ZEBET's obligatory involvement in any decisions relevant to the field of animal experiments and alternatives. More than in the past ZEBET should be given the role of a co-ordinating agency e.g. for other governmental institutions concerned with problems of consumer or environmental protection.

Keywords: 3R, animal welfare, national centre, communication, co-ordination