[About the question of ethical admissibility versus unadmissibility of animal test in basic research] [Article in German]

Abstract

When discussing  responsibility for laboratory animals, always and again people refer to the Swiss seif-commitment: "Ethical principles and guidelines about scientific animal tests". This is justified,  as item no. 4.6 of that text contains - among other many comparable codices -  the remarkable  claim to dispense with animal tests and the hoped-for findings if the test leads to unavoidable serious suffering of laboratory animals. Very characteristic examples for such tests are those conducted without anaesthesia,  because the findings sought after can only be derived from the reaction of the non­-anaesthetised animal. Therefore the obvious question arises whether the sacrifice ought to be commenced in basic research. Good will towards good care of our fellow creatures would, by this, assume more concrete forms  and gain power of persuasion.