Karnataka joins Delhi in banning animals for science experiments in schools

The state has disallowed the use of any kinds of animals during the lab activities or practical classes while teaching Biology
Representational Image
Representational Image

Reacting to a PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) request, the Department of Pre University Education, Karnataka has banned the use of animals in science labs of all colleges affiliated with it. As per the circular issued by the department, no PU college in the state is allowed to use any kind of animals during their lab activities or practical classes.

As per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act (1960) section 17 (d) educational institutions and hospitals should stop experimenting using animals at their labs. Instead, it advises using photographs and textbooks to explain the same to students. 

In 2013, the government of Delhi had not only banned dissection of animals in science labs but also prohibited the use of specimens of animals listed under the Wildlife Protection Act. This was done because of an order from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

"We have asked the college authorities to look at alternates to animals to use at labs. For example, the same can be explain using multimedia content," mentioned an official from the department. 

However, this has received a mixed reaction from students where some students felt this decision will keep them from getting practical knowledge. "Practical knowledge is important for us at this level, at least for those who are serious about taking up the medical profession," said a student.

However, several students welcomed the move saying, "As we are technically equipped, it is not difficult to find other ways to get practical knowledge without using animals. As several species are going extinct, it's our responsibility to protect them."

The request for the ban came from PETA adviser Dr. Rohit Bhatia in the month of September, according to the department officials. 

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