Australia
In Australia, Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) determine whether the use of an animal is valid or not. AECs must follow the Code in order to ensure the wellbeing of the animals used for research. The Code emphasizes the responsibilities of investigators, teachers and institutions using animals to:
- ensure that the use of animals is justified, taking into consideration the scientific or educational benefits and the potential effects on the welfare of the animals;
- ensure that the welfare of animals is always considered;
- promote the development and use of techniques that replace the use of animals in
scientific and teaching activities;
- minimise the number of animals used in projects; and
- refine methods and procedures to avoid pain or distress in animals used in scientific and teaching activities.
Scientific and teaching activities using animals may be performed only when they are essential:
- to obtain and establish significant information relevant to the understanding of humans and/or animals;
- for the maintenance and improvement of human and/or animal health and welfare;
- for the improvement of animal management or production;
- to obtain and establish significant information relevant to the understanding, maintenance or improvement of the natural environment; or
- for the achievement of educational objectives.
Researchers can only conduct their studies once it has approved the validity of the use of the animals and that there is more educational or scientific gain that outweighs the possible effects on the welfare of the animals. The researchers must submit a written proposal to an AEC stating what is to be accomplished, a defense for the study, and the ethical and wellbeing of the animals used reflecting the 3Rs.
Read more about this topic: Animal Testing Regulations
Famous quotes containing the word australia:
“It is very considerably smaller than Australia and British Somaliland put together. As things stand at present there is nothing much the Texans can do about this, and ... they are inclined to shy away from the subject in ordinary conversation, muttering defensively about the size of oranges.”
—Alex Atkinson, British humor writer. repr. In Present Laughter, ed. Alan Coren (1982)
“I like Australia less and less. The hateful newness, the democratic conceit, every man a little pope of perfection.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)