In order to be allowed to carry out an animal experiment at all, scientists must first acquire the necessary expertise. The Central Animal Husbandry offers the relevant courses for this purpose. Even more extensive requirements apply to the management of animal experiments, which must have at least three years of experience in addition to expertise. The competent and experienced scientists must first submit an application for approval of their planned animal experiment project to the responsible authority, in our case the State Directorate of Saxony (Landesdirektion Sachsen), Department 25. They are advised and supported in all matters by the animal welfare officers, the members of the animal welfare committee and the veterinary staff to ensure that the experimental project is carried out with as little stress as possible for the animals. The so-called 3R principle is consistently applied.
Replacement - replacement of animal experiments
Before submitting an application for an experimental project, it must be checked whether the desired results can also be achieved without live animals. Replacement methods include, for example, cultures of cells or tissues or computer simulations. Leipzig University is actively researching such alternative methods and is committed to their application and promotion. Only if the results cannot be achieved using alternative methods, and only then, may an application be submitted to the approval authority.
Reduce - reduction in the number of animals used in animal experiments
Only as many animals may be used in an experimental project as are absolutely necessary to achieve the experimental objective. Through comprehensive experimental planning and a clever approach, also with the help of specialist literature, it is possible to reduce the number of animals used in animal experiments to the necessary level. Statistical programs help scientists to calculate how many animals are required for a statistically sound evaluation of the test results.
Refinement - improving the methods used
New findings on improved methods, e.g. in handling, husbandry conditions or treatments in the experiment, are consistently implemented. As a result, the necessary tests are carried out with the least possible stress for the animals. The comprehensive education and training of all those involved, as well as regular further training, also leads to more animal-friendly procedures.
In this video you will find further explanations of the important 3R principle (in German, automatic captions available):
Applications to carry out an experimental project are sent to the approval authority for processing after being checked by the animal welfare officers. The subject specialists review the applications and submit all applications to the Animal Welfare Commission for consultation in accordance with Section 15 TierSchG. Improvements or amendments are often suggested by the authority or the Animal Welfare Commission, which the applicant incorporates into the test application. Only when all ambiguities or suggestions for improvement have been integrated into the experimental application is the application approved by the licensing authority and the scientific working group may begin to carry out the experimental project.
An excellent overview of all the steps and requirements involved in the application process can be found on the website of "Tierversuche verstehen, eine Informationsinitiative der Wissenschaft" ("Understanding animal testing, a science information initiative", in German).
