National Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes of 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") of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Remit of the National Committee

Based § 15a of  on the German Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG), the National Committee advises German competent authorities and animal welfare bodies on matters dealing with the acquisition, breeding, housing, care and use of animals in scientific procedures. The National Committee ensures an exchange of best practices within Germany and with other National Committees. It further exchanges information on the operation of animal welfare bodies and project evaluation with the European Union.

Provision of advice by the National Committee

Only competent authorities and animal welfare bodies can submit inquiries to the National Committee. The National Committee regularly informs about current topics, recommendations and dialogue forums per email. In order to receive those information, animal welfare committees should register with the National Committee.

Recommendations of the National Committee

The National Committee prepares and publishes recommendations and opinions on specific issues raised by the competent authorities and animal welfare committees. In order to ensure the scientific quality and independence of its work, the National Committee cooperates closely with external experts and scientists from universities 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 of the German Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG)
• § 45 of the German ordinance 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 tasks of the National Committee (§ 15a TierSchG) as result of an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act that came into force on 13 July 2013. § 45 TierSchVersV defines these tasks in detail.

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