The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART)

ANZCCART is an independent body which was established to provide a focus for consideration of the scientific, ethical and social issues associated with the use of animals in research and teaching. In New Zealand, ANZCCART comprises representatives from the research, animal welfare and education communities, and is a standing committee of the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

“The Committee meets regularly during the year to advance our underlying purpose to promote discussion around the social, ethical and scientific use of animals in research and teaching. We believe we contribute to a social license for such use by promoting the highest standards of care and consideration. Central to our philosophy is the active deployment of the “Three R’s” – the refinement, reduction and replacement of animals in research and teaching. Such discussions can be challenging. We facilitate them because we believe in considered and informed debate.” Hon Pete Hodgson, Chair – ANZCCART (NZ)

ANZCCART’s corporate mission is to promote:

• excellence in the care of animals supplied for or used in research, testing (within New Zealand), and teaching;
• responsible scientific use of animals;
• the Three Rs: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement as they apply to the use of animals for scientific purposes;
• informed discussion and debate within the community regarding these matters;
• strategic partnerships to contribute to the education and training of scientists, students and the broader community.

ANZCCART operates on a purely advisory basis and provides guidance and information to all interested parties including Animal Ethics Committees (AEC), scientists, teachers, regulatory authorities, granting agencies, government, animal welfare organisations, the media and the general public.

Committee members include:

• Hon Pete Hodgson (Chair), Otago Innovation Limited, Dunedin
• Professor Laura Bennet, Professor of Physiology, University of Auckland
• Dr Sally Birdsall, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University of Auckland
• Dr Arnja Dale, Chief Scientific Officer, Royal New Zealand SPCA
• Professor Craig  Johnson, Professor of Veterinary Neurophysiology, Massey University
• Dr Mike King, Lecturer, Bioethics Centre, University of Otago
• Dr John Schofield, Former Director of the Animal Welfare Office, University of Otago
• Dr Siouxsie Wiles, Senior Lecturer, Molecular Medicine & Pathology, University of Auckland