Use of live animals for education and research banned

The use of live animals in dissection and other experiments in educational and research institutes has been banned by the union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF).

The MoEF has issued guidelines to the University Grant Commission, ministry of health and family welfare, Pharmacy Council of India and the Medical Council, stating to discontinue dissection and experiments with live animals in universities, colleges, research institutes, hospitals, laboratories and instead use alternatives like computer simulation.

The guidelines were framed based on the duties of the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments and Animals (CPCSEA), which has been constituted under the provisions of Section 15 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960).

The MoEF says that the central government is duty-bound to use alternatives to avoid unnecessary suffering or pain to animals. It states that effective alternatives in the form of CDs, computer simulations and mannequin models are available; they are not only effective as absolute replacements for animals in teaching anatomy or physiology but are also superior learning tools in teaching of pharmacy or life sciences.

The committee comprises seven nominees - three nominees appointed by CPCSEA and the remaining four from educational institutes.