Chennai, 24 Oct(H.S.): DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran has called for a rethink of the Centre’s proposed rules on laboratory animal experiments, expressing concern that greater freedom for research institutions could dilute animal welfare protections.

Writing to Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, he urged the government to withdraw the draft rules in their present form and review them through consultations with experts and other stakeholders.

His concerns relate to the proposed Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Control and Supervision of Experiment, Breeding and Trading of Laboratory Animals) Rules, 2026, which seek to streamline the regulation of research involving animals.

Maran said efforts to simplify research procedures must retain strong safeguards against animal cruelty and ensure that institutions remain subject to effective independent oversight.

Maran specifically questioned the proposal to empower institutional ethics committees to approve a wider range of experiments, including those involving larger animals. Expanding their authority, he said, raised concerns about accountability and whether such experiments would receive adequate independent scrutiny.

Scientific advancement and animal welfare must be pursued together, with neither viewed as an obstacle to the other, he said.

Calling for wider consultation before the rules are finalised, Maran urged the government to involve independent animal welfare experts, scientists, veterinarians, research institutions and civil society organisations in the review.

He said the revised framework should provide stronger protection for wildlife and community animals, backed by enforceable welfare requirements and a robust system of independent scrutiny.

Maran also urged the Centre to give priority to validated alternatives to animal experiments, supporting both their development and wider adoption in scientific research.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman