Centre proposes contract animal experimentation

Hyderabad, Nov 1 (UNI) Amidst the debate on the ethical aspects on use of animals in experimentation, the Centre proposes to permit contract Animal Experiments by registered establishments 'on behalf of any other agency observing the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act'.

However, the experimental animals should be procured from a registered breeder or from alternate legal sources within the country. Genetically defined animals may be imported with the permission of Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) Chairman Mj Gen (retd) Dr R M Kharb told the first National Conference on 'Rational Use of Animals in Research' which opened here today that there is an urgent need to have a holistic view of use of animals for scientific experimentation, exploring alternate biotechnology methods.

Acknowledging the tremendous contribution of animal in scientific experimentation and research spanning pharmaceutical industry, bio-medical sciences, production of life saving sera and vaccines and perfecting surgical techniques to save millions of human lives, he expressed dismay over awareness of animals undergoing stress, pain and suffering.

''Notwithstanding, the rich pay offs from animal experimentation.

we have to be very considerate and judicious so as to refine our experiments on animals and make restricted use in scientific research and experiments'', he said.

As global concern heightened reflecting in a move for Universal Declaration for Animals Welfare at the United Nation and India being one of the five Steering Committee members, the Centre enlarged the scope and constituted a committee to prevent the abuse of animals for experiments.

The Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiements on Animals (CPCSEA) was constituted to monitor all the issues relating to animal experimentation.

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