Animal testing in toxicology

1. Animal testing in toxicology

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Most rodents were euthanised

5. What is your reaction to these numbers?

6. 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

7. 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

8. Some major players