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 from a strategy for addressing animal welfare issues. The focus areas have been tried and tested internationally and have provided a good platform for the NSPCA to encourage changes in South Africa.

The question is not, “Can they reason?” nor “Can they talk?’’ but rather, “Can they suffer?’’ ~ Jeremy Bentham

Research animals are used for many different purposes in research, teaching and testing, and each area of use raises specific ethical, welfare and scientific issues. The NSPCA adopts a constructive and practical approach to the use of animals in experiments, judging every issue individually, critically questioning the necessity and justification for animal use and striving to reduce the conflict between the interests of animals and science as far as possible.

Good Animal Care and Good Animal Science Go Hand In Hand

The ultimate aim of the NSPCA is the replacement of animal experiments with humane alternatives. Until this can be achieved animals used in research should receive humane and compassionate treatment at all times. The NSPCA therefore campaigns for measures that will help to replace animals, reduce the number used, refine the methods used, take responsibility of minimising and avoiding suffering and improving welfare, and recognition of the 5 Freedoms.

It is essential that these measures are implemented throughout the animals’ lives and not just during experiments.

The Research Ethics Unit of the NSPCA has tasks of implementing and maintaining the strategy of addressing animal welfare issues surrounding the use of animals in research, teaching and testing.

The Unit has consistently worked in four key operational areas:

• Inspection of animal research, testing and teaching facilities;
• Identifying legislation and national standards governing the use of animals for research, teaching and testing and subsequent areas of improvement;
• Identifying institutions conducting animal experiments with the view to establish and/or assisting with the effective functioning of Animal Ethics Committees; and
• Seeking and improving information on ethics and alternatives to animals used for research, teaching and testing, and also supporting initiatives that raise awareness surrounding animal us and animals welfare issues.

Page inserted: 22/03/2010