Function of the animal welfare officer of the University of Cologne

The appointment of one or more animal welfare officers (TierSchB) is required under the Animal Welfare Act for animal experiments requiring approval and notification as well as for killing for scientific purposes.

Animal welfare officers are not bound by instructions and primarily serve as mediators between the authority and the person performing the experiment as well as the persons entrusted with the care, supply and treatment of the experimental animals.

The animal welfare officers pay careful attention to all animals, which

  •     are kept and bred in the facility.
  •     are used in projects subject to notification and approval.
  •     are killed for scientific purposes.
  •     are transported within their area of responsibility.

To the tasks of an animal welfare officer the following belong

  •     Monitoring compliance with rules, conditions and requirements in the interest of animal welfare.
  •     Advising the management of the institution in questions of animal welfare.
  •     Advice and control in questions of animal breeding, animal husbandry and veterinary treatment.
  •     Advice on the planning and performance of experiments.
  •     Consultation of all persons involved in animal experiments on questions of animal welfare.
  •     Submission of a statement on the application for approval of an animal experiment.  
  •     Duty of the animal welfare officer to provide information to the authorities.
  •     Control of the performance of animal experiments including their recording according to § 9a Animal Welfare Act.
  •     Support of the development or introduction of procedures/means to fulfill the 3Rs principle.

You can contact the animal welfare officers by e-mail. Employees of the UzK/UK please use the known contact addresses.