The use of animals in this context must be linked to specific procedures, including within the framework of an approved project, in authorised user centres and carried out by qualified personnel.
Projects are evaluated by authorised bodies responsible for verifying compliance with the established requirements. The evaluation aims to ascertain whether a particular project is justified from a scientific or educational point of view, whether its purpose justifies the use of animals and whether it is designed to ensure that the procedures are implemented in the most humane and environmentally friendly way possible.
The bodies authorised to evaluate projects are designated by the competent administrative bodies in each autonomous community and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla in accordance with a regulated procedure that guarantees the free participation of all bodies that meet the regulatory requirements.
For publicity purposes, the Ministry of Science and Innovation must maintain an updated list of authorised bodies in each autonomous community (Article 43.3. of Royal Decree 53/2013, of 1 February). Accordingly, the competent administrative bodies in each autonomous community must notify the Ministry of Science and Innovation of any registrations or deregistrations of authorised bodies in their territory.
