Laboratory animals
Laboratory animals are used in Finland for:
Scientific research mostly takes place in universities and research institutions, which carry out both basic and applied research. Each research project is unique and relies on different animal models.
Very few live animals are used for teaching. Live animals can only be used in universities or to teach vocational skills. Vocational skills are skills that are needed to handle and carry out procedures on animals.
Animal testing is generally only carried out in order to satisfy legal obligations, such as to study the safety of pharmaceutical or chemical substances. This kind of testing is extremely rare in Finland.
For more information about animal experimentation in Finland, the laws protecting laboratory animals and the authorities responsible for regulating animal research, visit the website of the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s website also contains information about Finland’s national Advisory Board on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific or Educational Purposes.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's websiteLink to an external websiteOpens in a new tab