Mission and vision

We use these legal frameworks to evaluate applications for project licences. A key part of this evaluation is the advice of the Animal Ethics Committees (Dierexperimentencommissies, DECs). The following areas of expertise are represented within the CCD committee: science, experimental design and methodology, laboratory animal medicine, animal husbandry and care, ethics, and the protection of laboratory animals.

Mission

We are committed to an independent, transparent and conscientious evaluation of applications for project licences to conduct animal procedures, with a central focus on the intrinsic value and welfare of laboratory animals.

Vision

Animals have intrinsic value. We aim to ensure that laboratory animals are handled responsibly in the Netherlands. We make a moral consideration about the use of animals for research and education, and we evaluate the quality of project licence applications, ensuring that:

• we only authorise project licences when no alternatives are available (this is known as the ‘no, unless’ principle) and when the use of laboratory animals is justified given the importance of the research. We also take care to ensure that the number of animals used and their discomfort are kept to the lowest level possible (application of the 3Rs);
• dilemmas regarding the use of animals for research and education are identified and addressed;
• we maintain an open dialogue with our stakeholders and promote positive cooperation within the licensing system.