The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is observing World Day for Lab Animals today (April 24).
The use of animals for scientific purposes 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.
The NSPCA has a unit dedicated to ensuring that optimal welfare is reached, and that animals do not suffer in this sector.
Animals are used for many different purposes which includes but are not limited to use in research, teaching, testing, and education and each area of use raises specific ethical, welfare, and scientific concerns.
The NSPCA adopts a constructive and practical approach, assessing every issue individually – critically questioning the necessity and justification for animal use.
The NSPCA follows the principle of the four R’s in all sectors of animal use – replacement, reduction, refinement, and responsibility.
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This encourages the replacement of animals where possible, the reduction in the number of animals used for scientific purposes, the refinement of techniques to reduce pain and stress to the animals and we advocate for anyone involved to take responsibility in every aspect of animal use.
“In an ideal world research should be done without using animals.
“Unfortunately we have not reached that stage yet.
“The Animal Ethics Unit represents animal welfare on 45 animal ethics committees around the country.
“We work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of all animals, including invertebrates, which are used for scientific purposes.
“We have, and will continue to put a stop to the unnecessary exploitation of animals”” said Erika Bornman, manager of the NSPCA’s Animal Ethics Unit.
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