Karolinska Institutet corrects false claims made by Swedish NGO Animalkind

Karolinska Institutet (KI) in Stockholm, Sweden has corrected statements made by NGO Animalkind in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. According to Animalkind, Sweden falls short in enforcing its animal welfare laws when it comes to animals used for scientific purposes, suggesting that illegal practices are taking place across the country. 

With a reply in the same newspaper on 12 June, KI distances itself from these claims by stating there have been frequent inspections at its institute and explaining the highly specialized work that is carried out in the facilities to ensure high standards of animal welfare. 

Stina Tucker, deputy director at the Department of Comparative Medicine, and Lars Bräutigam, chair of the Animal Welfare Body explain what is done to ensure high standards of animal welfare at KI: Thirteen inspections during the last four years clearly show that oversight is in place at the medical university. But apart from external inspections, there are many levels of oversight internally: an internal animal welfare body constantly monitors animal welfare and related work. A designated welfare officer conducts regular checks and leads animal welfare efforts. A training officer ensures that personnel working with animals are properly educated and legally compliant. And lastly, veterinarians are available at all times to provide expert care and advice together with animal technicians with specialist skills who support researchers in their work with animals. 

Animal research plays a vital role in advancing medicine, such as contributing to the development of COVID-19 vaccines. A 2024 survey by the Swedish Research Council showed that 82% of Swedes support animal research in their country if done legally, without unnecessary suffering and when no alternatives are available. 

Stina and Lars conclude by urging that misinformation about animal research should not be allowed to obstruct important, beneficial scientific work.