Animal testing in toxicology

Learning objectives

Understand the principles that underpin animal use in New Zealand

Be able to define and discuss the principle of the 3Rs

Be able to articulate a viewpoint on animal testing and be able to relate it to specific examples and the New Zealand law.

Animal use in NZ

301,964 animals were used in NZ in 2012 for research, teaching and testing

41.3% of these were cattle

18.5% were mice Over 10,000 mice were involved in experiments

categorised as high or very high impact.

12.8% were sheep

Most rodents were euthanised

What is your reaction to these numbers?

Control of animal use

Regulated under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (part 6) Obligation to care for animals Definition of animal

Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crabs, crayfish, squid and octopus

Must have animal ethics approval to carry out research, teaching or testing

The 3Rs

Replacement Replacing animal with non-animal alternatives

Reduction Using as few animals as necessary

Refinement Pain or suffering must be reduced as much as possible

Some major players

MPI

NAWAC NAEAC

AEC

Researcher

Royal Society

ANZCCART