A mouse in a lab Photo: VCG

China's Ministry of Science and Technology started a public consultation on Tuesday on the draft amendment of laboratory animal regulations with an emphasis in strengthening public security and safeguarding animal wellbeing. 

After a comprehensive revision of the Laboratory Animals Regulation of 1988,the new draft of Article 18 on "Biosecurity System" urges the establishment of an accountability system for safety in handling laboratory animals and the establishment of emergency contingency plans. 

Any laboratory animal contaminated with infectious diseases, zoonoses or emergencies should be immediately reported to the local department to prevent epidemic transmission, according to the draft proposal.

The amendment also stresses animal welfare. Its Article 24 on  "Genetically Modified Animal Management" emphasizes compliance with the laws, regulations and ethical norms when it comes to conducting researches and application of genetically modified organism.

"Immature genetically modified technology might cause changes in animals' gene genealogy, violate animal welfare and even bring unpredictable disastrous consequences", Sun Quanhui, scientist from the World Animal Protection Organization, told the Global Times on Thursday.

"Thus, cautiously use this technology in a just, open, transparent and responsible way. We can not only comply with the international trend of strengthening animal protection but we should also promote the healthy development of the whole laboratory animal industry," Sun said, adding that "as China introduced the Biosecurity Law in April this year, laws and regulations related with laboratory animals should be updated as these animals are among the targets of biosecurity risk control." 

Several lab animal experiments have triggered controversy in China in recent years. For example, in June, a research study published by Chinese scientists about a model of pregnancy in a male rat parabiont sparked a backlash among the public. Many believe that the cost of the experimental animals used in the "male rat pregnancy" is too high and the value of the experiment is low. Besides, this practice is not in line with ethical norms.