Animals in scientific research: an analysis from the perspective of Swiss law

Vanessa Gerritsen

Chapter 13 in Research Handbook on Animal Law and Animal Rights, 2025, pp 238-259 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This contribution explores the ethical and legal challenges surrounding animal testing, with a particular focus on Swiss legislation. It identifies several gaps in legislation and enforcement and offers practical suggestions for improvement, intended to benefit both animal welfare and research. Despite strict regulations in Switzerland that limit animal experiments to those deemed indispensable, enforcement issues persist, and there is no consistent effort to phase out animal testing. The harm-benefit analysis (HBA), meant to weigh the harm to animals against the scientific benefits, is often flawed due to subjective decision-making and insufficient consideration of alternatives. The analysis points to potential reforms, including better enforcement of existing laws, a more balanced evaluation process, and a shift towards alternative research methods. A clear strategy is needed for phasing out of animal testing that ensures ethical compliance and scientific innovation.

Keywords: Animal testing; Swiss legislation; Harm-benefit analysis; Alternative methods; Scientific progress; Legal enforcement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035324873
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