Analysis of Institutional Characteristics and Implementation of Guangdong Province Laboratory Animals Ordinance in the Past Decade

Abstract

The Guangdong Province Laboratory Animals Ordinance (the GPLAO), officially enacted and implemented in October 2010, marked a new phase of legal management in the administration of laboratory animals in Guangdong Province. The GPLAO clearly authorizes the laboratory animal monitoring institutes in Guangdong Province to conduct laboratory animal quality monitoring and assume corresponding legal responsibilities. It also specifies the standards for the production and use of laboratory animals, while bringing attention to laboratory animal welfare and ethics. Through the formulation of supporting documents, the active promotion of the standardization and regulation of administrative law enforcement, and the implementation of measures to delegate power, streamline administration, and optimize government services, significant improvements have been made in the standardized management of laboratory animals in Guangdong Province and in supporting the innovative development of biomedicine. Moreover, notable achievements have been made in areas such as the construction of experimental animal technology platforms, standardization work, the preservation and development of unique resources, and talent pool development. However, with the advancements in science and technology, social economy, and legislative work, some aspects in the GPLAO have been identified for improvement. These include the need for clearer provisions on laboratory animal welfare, more specific guidelines for the management of genetically engineered animals, improved regulations on the safety and welfare of practitioners, further refined implementation of the "one-vote veto system", continued promotion of laboratory animal standardization, and the exploration of effective mechanisms for resource sharing. This paper reviews and summarizes the institutional characteristics, post-legislation implementation, and effectiveness of the GPLAO, as well as the issues and countermeasures identified during the implementation. It concludes the laboratory animals management practices in Guangdong Province during the past 10 years, aiming to provide a reference for laboratory animal legislation.

Keywords

• guangdong province
• laboratory animals
• legal construction
• implementation