NCad opinion on 'Alternative methods for killing laboratory animals'

In September 2015, the Dutch Minister of Agriculture requested the NCad (Netherlands National Committee for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes) to advise on methods for killing laboratory animals that are considered to be at least as humane as the methods set out in European Directive 2010/63/EU.

The Dutch Minister of Agriculture also asked for the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) to be given guidance in assessing such alternative methods of killing by providing elements that must comprise a scientific justification.

In August 2016, the NCad published its opinion in Dutch, as 'Alternatieve dodingsmethoden bij proefdieren - voor een zorgvuldige afweging om structureel af te wijken van voorgeschreven methoden'. The translated report 'Alternative methods for killing laboratory animals' was published in September 2016.