As the Centre prepares to amend the rules governing the use of animals in experiments, animal welfare activists have criticised the proposed changes, arguing that the draft rules issued by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying raise concerns about the adequacy of safeguards for animals.

Earlier this month, the ministry released the draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Control and Supervision of Experiment, Breeding and Trading of Laboratory Animals) Rules, 2026, seeking objections and suggestions in 30 days. Once finalised, the rules will replace the existing framework—the Breeding of and Experiments on Animals (Control and Supervision) Rules, 1998.

In a statement, People for Animals , an animal welfare organisation founded by former Union minister Maneka Gandhi , said the proposed changes in laboratory rules raise questions over safeguards for animals.

“Most experiments on animals in India’s laboratories, including those on dogs and primates, could soon be approved by the…