Animal Experimentation Ordinance
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 24 Categories of strain resulting from experimental procedures or measures
(Art. 136 para. 2 AniWO) The following four categories are used for strain on animals resulting from procedures or measures in the context of animal experiments: a. Severity grade 0 – no strain: Procedures and actions performed on animals for experimental purposes that do not inflict pain, suffering or harm on the animals, engender fear or impair their general well-being; b. Severity grade 1 – mild strain: Procedures and actions performed on animals for experimental purposes that cause short-term mild pain or harm or a mild impairment of general well-being; c. Severity grade 2 – moderate strain: Procedures and actions performed on animals for experimental purposes that cause short-term moderate or medium to long-term mild pain, suffering or harm, short-term moderate fear or short to medium-term severe impairment of general well-being; d. Severity grade 3 – severe strain: Procedures and actions performed on animals for experimental purposes that cause medium to long-term moderate pain o
Art. 25 Categories of strain due to genetic modifications
(Art. 136 para. 2 AniWO) The following four categories are used for strain on animals resulting from genetic modifications: a. Severity grade 0 – no strain: Genetic modifications that do not inflict pain, suffering or harm on the animals, engender fear or impair their general well-being; b. Severity grade 1 – mild strain: Genetic modifications that cause mild pain or harm or a mild impairment of general well-being; c. Severity grade 2 – moderate strain: Genetic modifications that cause moderate pain, suffering or harm, fear or impairment of general well-being; d. Severity grade 3 – severe strain: Genetic modifications that cause severe pain, long-term suffering, severe harm, severe fear or a severe impairment of general well-being.
Art. 26 Strain to be consideredfor assessing the acceptability of an experiment
(Art. 136 para. 2 AniWO) To assess the acceptability of an experiment, consideration shall be given to the strain defined in Articles 24 and 25 and also to further strain imposed on the animals through debasement, through radical intervention in their appearance or their capabilities or through excessive instrumentalisation.