NAEAC Annual Report released

NAEAC Annual Report released

9 October 2014

The number of animals used in research, testing, and teaching in 2013 was the lowest it’s been since 1997, according to the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) Annual Report released today.

224,048 animals were used in 2013, a decrease of 25.9 percent from the previous year. The rolling three-year average was also down.

Chair of NAEAC, Dr Virginia Williams, says a drop in numbers is always gratifying to see.

“NAEAC is committed to encouraging the responsible use of animals, focusing on the ‘Three Rs’.

“That means replacing and reducing the numbers of animals used in experiments wherever possible, and refining experimental techniques and general husbandry to minimise or eliminate suffering,” says Dr Williams.

“A significant aspect of our activity throughout the year involved supporting efforts to have the Three Rs embodied into practices that use animals.”

Dr Williams says the committee was also kept busy reviewing eight codes of ethical conduct and making submissions on the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill and the Psychoactive Substances Bill.

In addition, NAEAC met regularly with Animal Ethics Committees (AECs)and is anticipating the results from a research project, initiated at the end of 2013, to look into how AECs assess protocols, particularly in relation to cost/benefit analyses.

AECs, whose membership must include three independent nominees from the New Zealand Veterinary Association, the Royal New Zealand SPCA and from local or regional councils, approve any research, testing, or teaching involving live animals in New Zealand.

“AECs must ensure that any cost to the animals must be outweighed by the potential or actual benefits to be gained from the work, and NAEAC has focused on assisting with this decision-making,” says Dr Williams.

NAEAC’s Annual Report is available to read on the MPI website here

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ENDS

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