Regulations on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes

Abstract

The use of animals for scientific purposes is regulated by the European directive 2010/63/EU implemented in France in the decree 2013-118 and its orders. This regulation is based on the principle of the 3Rs. It lays down precise provisions to ensure the protection of animals used for scientific purposes throughout their life via the accreditation of establishments supplying and using experimental animals and via the projects’ authorizations granted by the Ministry responsible for research after a favorable opinion from an ethics committee in animal experimentation. This article sets out the principles of the regulations, their scope of application as well as the means and control of their implementation. It then summarizes the regulatory requirements concerning animal management, housing structures and conditions, and the staff involved. It describes the procedures for obtaining the accreditation of user establishments and the authorization of projects, an essential prerequisite for their completion. Finally, it summarizes the measures implemented to ensure transparency and inform public about the use of animals for scientific purposes.