Ethologische Gesellschaft und Tierversuche
We study animal behaviour both in their natural environments and in human care. We are interested in wild animals as well as those in laboratories, zoos, homes, or farms. In our research approaches, we prioritise humane treatment and respectful handling of animals. This is not only a concern for animal welfare but is also considered a fundamental prerequisite for good scientific practice, which enables us to better understand animals and their behaviour.
We welcome the significant societal interest in animal welfare and animal testing issues and view discussions on these topics as very important. Animal testing has always been at the intersection of gaining knowledge and animal protection. Often, knowledge gain in this context is equated with the applicability of this knowledge to humans. While this is frequently emphasised in biomedical research, animals are not always used as models for humans in animal testing. Animal testing is also conducted in ethology and applied animal welfare research to gain insights into animal behaviour and their environmental needs. Thus, animal welfare and knowledge gain are not necessarily opposing poles on a continuum. According to the Animal Protection Act, “any intervention or treatment for experimental purposes on animals that may cause pain, suffering, or damage to the animals” is considered animal testing, including experiments with minimal stress on animals, such as observing animals in an unfamiliar environment to determine anxiety, blood samples for determining relatedness, or individual markings using transponder chips. In Switzerland, treatments for experimental purposes are considered animal testing even if they are not associated with stress. Many behavioural studies are thus classified as animal testing, even if they do not fit the “typical image” of animal testing at first glance. The primary goal of our research is knowledge gain. To ensure this, experimental results must be meaningful and reproducible, which requires high scientific quality of the experiments. This necessitates not only an adequate experimental design and a sufficient sample size but also minimising animal stress through experimental procedures. Therefore, we strive to continuously optimise our methods to maximise knowledge gain while minimising animal distress.
The strength of behavioural biology lies in providing conceptual and methodological approaches that enable scientifically sound research on animal welfare and the development of humane housing and management practices. This involves interdisciplinary experimental approaches incorporating behaviour, physiology, and genetics. Thus, we provide biologically based and animal-centred foundations for assessing animal well-being. While animal protection is ethically motivated, i.e., based on human values, what animals need for their protection is biologically motivated, i.e., based on the animals’ needs. Our goal is to provide objective insights into animal well-being, taking into account both species-specific aspects and individual experiences of the animals.
The topic of animal testing is emotionally charged. However, our knowledge-driven approach can lead to a more objective discussion. Open communication and transparency in handling animal testing contribute to this. We hope this will foster understanding of the necessity of animal testing in behavioural biology. Only in this way can we continue to produce high-quality scientific knowledge to advance species and habitat protection and improve the well-being of animals in human care.