New Indian lab animal use regs proposed

From ANIMAL PEOPLE, October 2004:

NEW DELHI–The Indian federal Ministry of Environment &
Forests on September 24, 2004 recommended new guidelines on animal
use in laboratories, three years after they were reportedly being
prepared. The proposed guidelines are to be offered as amendments to
the 1960 Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act.
“All experiments on animals,” reported The Hindu, “will be
carried out for the advancement of knowledge that is expected to be
useful for saving or prolonging human life, alleviating suffering,
and combatting disease, whether of human beings, animals, or
plants.”
“The animals lowest on the phylogenetic scale (i.e. with
least degree of awareness) among those whose use may give
scientifically valid results are to be preferred for experiments,”
The Hindu summary added.
“Experiments will be designed to use the minimum number of
animals needed to give statistically valid results. Alternatives to
animal testing are to be given due consideration, and sound
justification must be provided if alternatives, when available, are
not used…Unless the contrary is scientifically established,
investigators should proceed on the basis that procedures causing
pain or suffering in humans will cause similar pain in animals,” The
Hindu summary continued.
A separate summary published by the Deccan Herald confirmed
details and quoted researchers who favor the proposals.