[Problems of animal experimentation - reflections and practical approaches] [Article in German]

Abstract

The discrepancy often seen even in national legislations and their lacking international harmonisation form a political problem often neglected in the public discussions on animal experiments. Three proposals might be successful approaches to reduce, refine and replace animal experiments in biomedical research: At the University level, all students dealing with biomedical science should be obliged to follow an education in animal protection and welfare; financial grants should only support those research projects which include comments showing that the animal experiments under consideration are essential; scientific journals should include ethical guidelines to be followed in their "Instructions for authors" and these guidelines being supervised by the members of the editorial board.