Dyreforsøk

Dyreforsøk, the Danish term for animal experimentation, refers to procedures performed on non-human animals to advance scientific knowledge, medical research, or educational aims. Animals commonly used include mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, primates, and fish. Methods range from observational studies to invasive procedures, genetic modification, pharmacological testing, and vaccine development.

The practice has a long history as a central tool in biomedical research, valued for enabling controlled investigation of disease mechanisms and drug effects before human trials. It also raises ethical concerns about animal welfare and the moral status of animals, which has driven ongoing debate about its necessity and scope.

Regulation and oversight are designed to safeguard welfare. In many regions, researchers must obtain authorization and undergo ethical review by committees; care and housing standards apply; procedures typically require anesthesia or analgesia to minimize suffering. Alternatives to animal use must be considered first. The European Union, for example, operates under the Directive 2010/63/EU, with national laws implementing oversight; other countries maintain comparable laws and regulatory bodies to monitor compliance.

The 3Rs principle—Replacement, Reduction, Refinement—guides contemporary practice. Replacement seeks non-animal methods when possible; Reduction aims to use fewer animals; Refinement seeks to minimize pain and distress. Ongoing research seeks to expand alternatives such as in vitro systems, computer modeling, and advanced imaging technologies.

Public debate over ethical and scientific legitimacy continues, with some regions restricting or banning animal testing for cosmetics and increasing demands for transparency and welfare reporting. Overall, Dyreforsøk remains regulated where practiced, with growing emphasis on humane treatment and the development of viable non-animal methods.