Switzerland: Federal Council recommends rejection of the popular initiative ‘Yes to a future without animal testing [Ja zur tierversuchsfreien Zukunft]’

At its meeting yesterday, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the popular initiative ‘Yes to a future without animal testing [Ja zur tierversuchsfreien Zukunft]’. It proposes that Parliament reject the initiative without a direct or indirect counter-proposal.

The initiative calls for a phased ban on animal testing: immediately after its adoption, animal testing of severity level 3 as well as those conducted in basic research and education or training would be prohibited. All remaining animal testing would have to be banned after seven years at the latest.

In the Federal Council's view, the proposed ban on animal testing extends too far and would have significant consequences for research, health and education in Switzerland. At the same time, the Federal Council emphasises its commitment to animal welfare and the implementation of the 3R principles (replace, reduce, refine).