ALTEX :: Alternatives to Animal Experiments

1999, VOLUME 3

Experience in Sweden

Ulrika Hansson

Swedish Fund for Research without Animal Experiments, S-Alvsjø

SUMMARY

In Sweden animal experiments for research and testing purposes are assessed from an ethical point of view by regional animal care committees. According to the legislation the committees shall consider whether the experiment could be carried out in a less painful manner and, if so, make the necessary changes in the protocol. Existing alternative methods should always be used.

The authority responsible for the committees is the Swedish Board for Laboratory Animals (CFN). One of its tasks is to reduce the number of animals used for experiments, e.g. by promoting alternative methods. The CFN issues recommendations to the ethical committees on the treatment of certain animal experiment proposals, and has set up an advisory board to assist the committees. Unfortunately, there is no follow-up with regard to the recommendations, and the advisory board is constructed in such a way that nobody seeks its advice.

Looking back at 20 years of animal care committees it is evident that the support given so far by the authority is insufficient. However, there are many ways that this situation could be improved.

Keywords: 3R, animal care committees, animal ethical committees, Sweden