India is considering changes to the rules governing laboratory animal experimentation, including provisions that could affect the protections afforded to stray and feral animals.
Dog Desk Animal Action has prepared a formal objection to the Draft Laboratory Animal Rules 2026, raising concerns about exemptions permitting the experimental use of stray animals, changes to independent oversight and arrangements governing the acquisition of animals for research.
Of particular concern is Rule 5(3), which retains a general prohibition on using stray and feral domestic animals in experiments but allows exemptions in specified circumstances.
India’s street dogs and cats already face considerable challenges. We are concerned that exceptions permitting their use in laboratories could expose vulnerable animals to further exploitation.
The proposals also raise questions about the extent of independent scrutiny required before certain experiments can proceed and the safeguards governing animal sourcing.
Dog Desk Animal Action opposes animal experimentation. We believe the vulnerability of animals living on the streets must never become a justification for their use in laboratories.
Our formal objection, dated 23 October 2026, is reproduced below.
The consultation deadline is 5 November 2026.
The draft notification can be found through the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals.
Publication note: This article reproduces Dog Desk Animal Action’s formal objection. The proposed rules remain in draft form, and the concerns raised should not be interpreted as evidence that the routine capture of street dogs and cats for experimentation has been authorised.