<正> In May 2004 Beijing's decision to legislate on animal welfare was suspended after controversy ensued. Experts believe such legislation is not practical in a developing nation such as China. A 200-character section covering animal welfare, however, has recently been added to the Regulations on Management of Laboratory Animals - a precedent in Chinese law. He Zhengming, vice secretary-general of the China Society for Laboratory Animals, confirmed that this is indeed a breakthrough.