There is no other field in which the use of animals is scrutinized as closely as in animal research. Animal experiments in Germany are subject to the strictest legal regulations. They may only be conducted if there are no suitable alternatives, if the experiments are essential for answering a research question, and if the expected scientific benefits justify any potential suffering of the animals. In addition, animal experiments on vertebrates and cephalopods with higher sensory physiology must be approved by the competent state authority. The authority is advised by an independent commission, which in turn is composed of an equal number of scientists and representatives of animal welfare organizations.
All experiments involving vertebrates are conducted under comprehensive internal oversight by the University’s animal welfare officers and animal welfare committee, as well as under external oversight by official veterinarians and the licensing authority. Animal housing facilities and experiment supervisors are regularly inspected by state-registered veterinarians. The University’s independent animal welfare officers are involved no later than at the time of application and critically monitor the experiments. On the part of the scientists, an ethical assessment (as required by the German Animal Welfare Act) takes place during the application process. In addition, the University’s animal welfare committee may provide advice, particularly when evaluating sensitive or highly complex experimental projects.
