CCSEA Withdraws Stray Dogs from Vaccine Trials

• 20 Oct 2023

Source: TOI

Why in News?

Recently, the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) in India has withdrawn its recommendation to employ stray dogs in vaccine trials.

• This decision comes in response to concerns raised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India regarding the scientific and ethical implications of using stray dogs in experiments.

What were the Concerns Raised Regarding CCSEA's Recommendation to Use Stray Dogs in Vaccine Trials?

• PETA emphasized that the CCSEA's recommendation to employ stray dogs in vaccine trials, contradicted its obligations under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Breeding of and Experiments on the Animals (Control and Supervision) Amendment Rules, 2006.
  • Also, it pointed out that the recommendation to use stray dogs contrasted with the policies adopted by the EU, UK, US, and Australia, India's counterparts in the field of science and technology.
• PETA India has argued that relying on stray dogs in tests cannot accurately predict human responses to vaccines, leading to delays in the approval of effective treatments.
  • The withdrawal of this recommendation represents a positive stride toward safeguarding animal welfare and fostering scientific progress.

Note

PETA India is the animal rights organization. It's a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works to end animal abuse in business and society.

• PETA India's mission is to: raise awareness about animal cruelty, educate policymakers and the public and promote respect for all animals

What is the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals?

• About:
  • CCSEA is a statutory Committee of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D) constituted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
• Function:
  • CCSEA is duty bound to take all such measures as may be necessary to ensure that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering before, during or after performance of experiments on them.
  • For this purpose, the Committee formulated the Breeding of and Experiments on Animals (Control & Supervision) Rules, 1998 (amended in 2001 & 2006) to regulate the experimentation on animals.
    • Under the provisions of the above rules, establishments who are engaged in Bio-medical research, breeding and trading of laboratory animals are required to get themselves registered with CPCSEA.

What is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960?

• It is an act of the Parliament of India that prevents the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals.
  • The act was originally passed in 1890 and replaced by the 1960 act.
• The act provides for the prevention and protection of animals from: Cruelty, Unnecessary pain, Overwork, Torture, Abuse.
  • The act also establishes the Animal Welfare Board of India.