The use of animals in research is an extremely complex and controversial issue both locally and internationally. As such, broad based practical initiatives are needed to address animal welfare con­cerns within this field. When the NSPCA began investigating the South African situation, it identified important focus areas which would form a strategy for addressing animal welfare issues. These focus areas are tried and tested internation­ally and as such, have provided a good platform for the NSPCA in South Africa.

The Research Ethics Unit of the NSPCA has the task of implementing and maintaining the strategy for addressing animal welfare issues surrounding the use of animals in research.

The Unit has consistently worked within four key operational areas:

• Inspection of facilities.
• Identifying legislation and national standards governing animal experimentation and subsequent areas of improvement.
• Identifying institutions conducting animal experiments with the view to establishing and/or assisting with the effective functioning of Animal Ethics Committees.
• Seeking and providing information on ethics and alternatives to animal experiments as well as supporting initiatives that raise awareness surrounding animal experiments and animal welfare issues.
  

Representation on Animal Ethics Committees (AEC) and/or Senate Animal Ethics Committees

NSPCA is the only organization in SA covering these fields on a full time professional basis by 2 veterinarians with experience in the animal research, bioethics, compliance auditing, standards and policy development. and animal unit management fields.

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