National Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes for the Federal Republic of Germany
The BfR performs the role of the "National Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes" (short "National Committee") for the Federal Republic of Germany.
Remit of the National Committee
The National Committee advises the competent German authorities and animal welfare bodies in matters dealing with the acquisition, breeding, accommodation, care and use of animals in procedures based on the German Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG). The National Committee ensures an exchange of best practices within Germany and exchanges information on the operation of animal welfare bodies and project evaluation and shares best practices within the European Union.
Provision of advice by the National Committee
Only the competent authorities and animal welfare bodies can submit inquiries to the National Committee.
Recommendations of the National Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes for the Federal Republic of Germany
The National Committee prepares and publishes recommendations and opinions on specific issues raised by the competent authorities and animal welfare bodies. In order to ensure the scientific quality and independence of its work, the National Committee cooperates closely with external experts and scientists from university and non-university institutions as well as with representatives of professional associations and competent authorities.
Legal basis
The legal basis for the work of the National Committee is provided by:
- Article 49 of EU Directive 2010/63/EU
- § 15a Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG)
- § 45 of the new Regulation on the protection of animals used for experiments or other scientific purposes (TierSchVersV)
Article 49 of EU Directive 2010/63/EU stipulates that each member state of the European Union should set up a national committee for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. In Germany, the BfR was entrusted with the performance of the tasks of the National Committee (§ 15a TierSchG) by the amendment to the Act that came into force on 13 July 2013. § 45 of the new TierSchVersV defines these tasks in detail.
