Dyreforsøgsgodkendelsesudvalg

Dyreforsøgsgodkendelse is the Danish term for animal testing authorization. It refers to the process by which scientific research or product testing involving animals is approved by regulatory authorities in Denmark. This authorization is a crucial part of animal welfare legislation designed to ensure that any use of animals for experimental purposes is justified, minimized, and conducted humanely.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen) is primarily responsible for granting these authorizations. Researchers must submit detailed applications outlining the purpose of the experiment, the species and number of animals involved, the procedures to be performed, and the measures taken to alleviate any potential suffering. A key principle in the authorization process is the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Replacement means using non-animal methods whenever possible. Reduction aims to use the minimum number of animals necessary to obtain valid results. Refinement focuses on improving experimental techniques to minimize pain, distress, and lasting harm to the animals.

All applications are typically reviewed by an ethics committee, which assesses the scientific merit of the research and weighs it against the potential animal welfare concerns. If an application is approved, it means the proposed animal testing is deemed necessary and conducted in accordance with strict ethical guidelines and legal requirements. Regular inspections are also conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with the approved protocols and animal welfare standards. The goal of dyreforsøgsgodkendelse is to balance scientific progress and product safety with the ethical treatment of animals.