Decree on protection of animals used for scientific or educational purposes. Country/Territory Slovakia Document type Regulation Date 2012 Source FAO, FAOLEX Original source Collection of Laws No. 436 of 2012. Subject Livestock, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Animal welfare Research Geographical area Eastern Europe, Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries Entry into force notes The Ordinance enters into force on 1 January 2013. Abstract This Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which is composed of 24 articles and two Annexes, lays down details on requirements for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and educational purposes. Before preparing the project there should be carefully verified in all internationally available databases that the given project can be done without the use of live animals. Evidence of identifying and verifying the existence of an alternative method to the present project is part of an application for approval of the project. The choice of the kind of animal is carefully considered and justified. It is suggested to use the smallest number of animals which includes species with the lowest degree of development, cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm and is most suitable for achieving satisfactory results. Full text Slovak Website www.zakonypreludi.sk