Draft strategy to reduce animal testing

Summary#

The federal government published a draft strategy on September 14, 2024 to guide efforts to replace, reduce or refine vertebrate animal testing under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). The draft was prepared by Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada and is open for public comment for 60 calendar days, ending November 13, 2024.

What it does#

• Sets out five proposed elements to guide future work under CEPA:
  • Identification and prioritization of new approach methods (alternative, non-animal or reduced-animal testing methods) for regulatory needs.
  • Advancement of research and data generation to support those methods.
  • Promotion of harmonization and collaboration with other groups or jurisdictions.
  • Communication and consultation with stakeholders.
  • Implementation of the approach within CEPA regulatory programs.
• Encourages the use of scientifically justified alternatives to vertebrate animal toxicity testing “when and where possible” — i.e., where it is practical and supported by science.

Who's affected#

• Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, which would use the strategy to shape testing requirements and programs.
• Companies, laboratories and researchers who provide or rely on toxicity testing data under CEPA.
• Animal welfare and advocacy groups interested in alternatives to vertebrate testing.
• Other stakeholders who consult with or supply data to federal chemical and environmental regulators.
• It is not precise which specific industries or tests will change; that will depend on how the strategy is applied in future program decisions.

Why it matters#

• If adopted, the strategy could lead to fewer vertebrate animal tests in environmental and chemical safety assessments, by encouraging validated alternative methods.
• Businesses that register chemicals or other substances under CEPA may see different testing expectations over time (different types of studies or acceptance of alternative data).
• Researchers and labs may get more direction and funding priorities for non-animal testing methods.
• There is an active chance for public input: comments go to Health Canada (email provided in the notice) during the consultation period ending November 13, 2024.