Animal Welfare

Policy on care and use of laboratory animals
LAB Research undertakes the majority of its work for companies developing pharmaceuticals for the treatment of human diseases.  The overall purpose of these tests performed is to ensure public health and safety.  LAB Research puts into practice the Animal Welfare Policy to make certain that testing is conducted in a humane and responsible manner.

Ethical considerations and animal welfare are given priority to ensure that all animals are treated with care and respect.  

LAB Research strives to limit the number of animals used to a minimum.   Alternative models are implemented as soon they are internationally accepted and in vitro screening models are developed as alternatives to laboratory animal experiments.

LAB Research closely monitors the development and progress made by the European Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) and other initiatives.  All studies in experimental animals at LAB Research facilities in Europe are performed in compliance with a license issued by the national licensing authority. 

Housing and Transport
The housing, husbandry and transport of laboratory animals, at a minimum, comply with internationally accepted standards.  All laboratory animals are observed daily for clinical signs of adverse effects and all necessary precautions are taken to minimise pain, anxiety and distress for the animal.

Qualified veterinary surgeons with documented experience in the use and welfare of laboratory animals are available for help and advice in the care of laboratory animals and conduct of studies.

Animal Welfare Committee
Each facility has an animal welfare committee (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) that includes the chief veterinarian and representatives of scientific and non-scientific staff.

The primary aim of the animal welfare committee is to continuously improve the quality of life for the laboratory animals; to develop new handling techniques, better housing conditions and to identify new initiatives for environmental enrichment.

Also, members of the committee have a frequent and open dialogue with suppliers and customers on animal welfare issues.  Furthermore, the animal welfare committee is involved in revision of new study types and takes part in the decision whether these new study types are acceptable for LAB Research to undertake from an animal welfare perspective.