This Ministerial Circular implements Legislative Decree No. 116 of 27 January 1992, with particular regard to the aims set out in said Legislative Decree. The purposes are, among others: (a) the protection of the welfare of animals used for experimental purposes; (b) the restriction of the number of animals to be used for scientific purposes; (c) the use of animals for experimental purposes only when there is no other method scientifically proven to be effective; (d) the protection of animals from suffering and cruelty. The competent bodies shall take into particular consideration reports and recommendations submitted by scientists as well as animal protection organizations.