Med. Weter. 71 (1), 13-17, 2015
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| Felsmann M., Szarek J., Szarek-Bęska A., Babińska I. |
| Veterinary surgeons and attitudes towards experiments on animals |
| Considering the amendments made to the regulations on animal protection in the EU, the authors outline the legal perspectives of the place and role of veterinary surgeons in the protection of animals used in experiments. They show that there is controversy arising in the relationship between humans and animals by using animals in scientific experiments and for educational purposes. They also show that experiments that inflict pain and suffering (not only physical) have a varied nature. Currently, the need to protect animals against suffering and pain, especially during scientific experiments, is a commonly-accepted ethical standard. In outlining the historical background of the topic, the authors note that in the 20th century (from 1928 till 1997), the Polish law defining the issues of experiments on animals was based on two articles featured in the statutory instrument. This general statement was extended in the Act of 1997 on Animal Protection. After the accession of Poland to the European Union, the protection of animals used in experiments was regulated by a separate act (The Act of 2005 on Experiments on Animals). This resulted from the requirements set by the Council Directive of November 24, 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (86/609/EWG). Despite the substantial expansion of the legal regulations established at the turn of the 21st century, the apparent protection of animals used for scientific purposes prompted objections in many European countries. As a result, in 2010 a new directive was established to reinforce the legal protection of animals used for experimental and educational purposes. However, the legislative responses still leave space for EU Member States to construct their own legal regulations. In particular, they do not include the role of veterinary surgeons as a professional group with specialist knowledge and statutory authorizations in the process of conducting and supervising experiments on animals. The Directive obliged the EU Member states to implement novel legal regulations by the end of 2012. In Poland, the legislative process was initiated in January 2014. The bill prepared by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education includes proposed regulations that contradict the meaning of the Directive. Although the role of veterinary surgeons is underappreciated, this professional group has the knowledge and skills to identify pathological conditions in animals and administering medical treatments. This is the sole professional group which is legally authorized to diagnose and treat animals and perform medical procedures. In addition, there are a variety of veterinary specializations, including those in the utilisation and pathology of laboratory animals. In contrast, the new legal regulations do not include this knowledge, experience or legal authority. It must not be overlooked that veterinary surgeons possess knowledge, legal authority and a special attitude towards animals which allows them to objectively and professionally assess all stages of experiments on animals. The current proposals are insufficient to provide veterinarians with the right to participate in ethical commissions on animal experiments. Furthermore, the lack of possibility for veterinary surgeons to be involved (or at least to supervise) anaesthetic procedures (which are crucial for the protection of animals against suffering) is another inconsistency in the bill. These facts are difficult for the veterinary profession to accept. Considering the premises that form the basis for the new Directive established in 2010, it had been expected that there would be legislation in Poland to completely protect animals used for experimental purposes. This requirement will not be met unless the representatives of this professional group are involved in evaluating projects involving experiments on animals and providing direct supervision of such experiments. |
| Key words: laboratory animals, experiment on animals, animal welfare, animal protection |