Israel and Animal Welfare - Animal Experimentation Law

Animal Experimentation Law

The Animal Experimentation law regulates animal experiments in Israel and creates a 23 member National Council for Animal Experimentation that may ban animal use if a "reasonable alternative" is available. Animal rights groups like CHAI (Concern for Helping Animals in Israel) believe this is rarely if ever done since alternatives have not been adequately explored. CHAI also believes that the law serves to protect the interests of university researchers, drug companies, and the government, but not the welfare of the animals.

The National Council for Animal Experimentation mandates that the smallest number of animal experiments be performed while mitigating animal suffering. Researchers are also required to take courses in animal care, and surprise visits to research labs are conducted to enforce compliance.