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  • Contact Us

    Contact Us ANZCCART New Zealand c/o Royal Society Te Apārangi PO Box 598 Wellington, 6140 New Zealand Phone: +64 4-472 7421 Email ANZCCART Australia C/- The University of Adelaide SA 5005 Australia Phone: +618 8313 7585 Website Email How to Contact ANZCCART (NZ) Board Members for Media Comments ANZCCART (NZ) board members are generally happy to be contacted for comment. Please contact the ANZCCART (NZ) Executive Officer at the Royal Society Te Apārangi ( anzccart@royalsociety.org.nz ) and they will forward your request to the appropriate member.

  • Media

    Information for New Zealand Media This page provides information on recent press releases, an image database, and web resources related to the use of animals in research, testing or teaching. Press releases 8 March 2024: ANZCCART New Zealand releases second annual report on Openness Agreement for animal research and teaching 13 November 2023: New Study Reveals New Zealanders' Views on Animal Use in Scientific Research and Teaching 21 August 2023: A step forward in openness in animal research and teaching but more progress needed in Three Rs reporting: New Zealand's Animal Research Statistics of 2021 30 March 2023: ANZCCART releases first report on Openness Agreement in Animal Research and Teaching 30 May 2022: Openness on use of animals in research testing and teaching statistics 27 July 2021: Science organisations pledge openness in animal research and teaching in New Zealand 1 September 2017: New resources highlight innovative ways to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research Image database for the use of animals in research, testing or teaching An image database featuring copyright free images of animals suitable for use in stories on animal use in testing, teaching and research is available through the Understanding Animal Use website (UK based). This website also contains a number of resources on the use of animals in research. Resources Understanding Animal Research (UK website) Animal Welfare Act 1999 (Parliamentary Council Office website) Guide to the Animal Welfare Act (Ministry for Primary Industries website) The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) website The National Animal Welfare Committee (NAWAC) website SPCA New Zealand Alt web (resource database hosted by Johns Hopkins University) Annual Report (PDF, 1.5 MB, 46 pages)

  • ANZCCART Resources | ANZCCART

    ANZCCART Resources ComPass Animal Welfare Training This free online course covers the Australian Code and NZ Guide and welfare issues relating to animal use in research and teaching. Successful completion of Phase one of the course and its quiz fulfills the mandated basic training needs of researchers and teachers using animals as well as members of Animal Ethics Committees (AEC) in Australia and NZ (except AEC members in Victoria who are required to complete the Animal Welfare Victoria training). The aim is to standardize and augment the training offered for animal users in research and teaching throughout Australasia by offering this free online interactive and resource-rich course to all who need this training . For the course link and more information . ANZCCART (NZ) resources and best practice ​ Three Rs Resources The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Rese arch and Te aching (ANZCCART) and the Ministry for Primary Industries have produced a series of booklets on the a pplication of the three Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) in the use of animals in research and teaching. Cell-based Disease Models (replacement) Computer Assisted Learning (replacement) Mannequins and Dummies (replacement) Alternatives to shellfish toxicity testing (replacement) Fireflies to the rescue (reduction) Mathematical models (reduction) Tissue sharing (reduction) Simple ingenuity (refinement) Non-Invasive Methods (refinement) Living syringes (refinement) Oil emulsified gels (refinement) Other resources Animal research saves lives (publication) What is ANZCCART? (flyer) Download Three Rs poster (ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 6.7 MB, 1 page) ANZCCART (Australia) resources and best practice Publications and information available on the ANZCCART (AU) website on the use of animals in research, testing or teaching: ANZCCART Annual Reports ANZCCART (AU) Awards ANZCCART (AU) Publications ANZCCART (AU) Fact Sheets about animals and technical information ANZCCART (AU) Helpful links on alternatives to the use of animals in research, animal ethics and welfare, environmental enrichment, recognition and alleviation of pain, and statistics ANZCCART (AU) Resources for animal care and housing, school children, school teachers, researchers and university students ​ Newsletters ​ ANZCCART News (Australian website). Y ou can sign up for the ANZCCART Newsletter here . Welfare Pulse

  • Openness Agreement | ANZCCART

    Openness Agreement The New Zealand Board of the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART), a Committee of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, has supported the development of an Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching for New Zealand. A draft version of the Agreement went out for consultation in 2020/21, and was launched at the ANZCCART 2021 conference on 27 July 2021: Press release about launch of Openness Agreement Media coverage: New Zealand Herald ; Science Media Centre NZ ; Radio New Zealand ; Farmers Weekly New Zealand has long been committed to maintaining and improving high standards of animal welfare as well as undertaking world-leading research and teaching using animals. Those involved in research have an obligation to demonstrate and promote these values, and in order to be seen as trustworthy they must be open, transparent, and accountable for the research and teaching that they conduct, fund or support, including when the high standards they strive for are not achieved. Doing more to communicate the context in which animal research and teaching takes place, the work that organisations undertake to incorporate the Three Rs (the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of animals), the regulations that govern this research, and the systems that are in place to report and rectify poor practice is key. ​ The objective of this Agreement is to ensure that the public are well informed about what animal research involves, the role it plays in the overall process of scientific discovery, how such research is regulated in New Zealand, and what researchers and animal care staff do to promote welfare, reduce animal usage and minimise suffering and harm to the animals. Several countries have now implemented (or are actively working on) formal ‘openness agreements’ to improve public understanding of animal research. Under such agreements, stakeholders make a public pledge to be more open about their involvement in animal research and explain details and reasons underlying it. The European Animal Research Association has several examples of openness agr eements. The longest established openness agreement is the UK Concordat on Openness on Animal Research . The UK Concordat has operated successfully since 2014 and now has over 120 signatories representing leading universities, research institutes, government agencies, funders and industry. Commit m e nts The Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in New Zealand sets out five Commitments that require signatories to take steps to be more open about the use of animals in research and teaching. The five commitments are: We will be clear about why and how we use animals in research and teachin g. We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our use of animals in research and teaching. We will enhance our communications with tangata whenua about our use of animals in research and teaching. We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research and teaching using animals. We will report on progress annually and share our experiences. ​ View the agreement here: ANZCCART Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in New Zealand – September 2023 ​ Openness Agree m ent Annual Report Signatories report annually on their progress and share experiences: ​ 2022 An nual Report: Download (Press Release ) (infographic ) 2023 Annual Report: Download (Press Re lease ) (infographic ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Signatories The signatories to this agreement are: If your organisation would like to join the Agreement, please contact: anzccart@royalsociety.org.nz

  • Animal Ethics in New Zealand Schools

    Animal Ethics Approval in New Zealand Schools This section gives a brief overview of ethics approval in schools to help decisions over whether or not approval for a science project or teaching activity is needed; then it introduces the New Zealand Animal Welfare Act 1999 Part 6 which allows for animal use in research, testing and teaching. Ethics approval in New Zealand schools If you are planning to use animals as part of your science fair project or as a teaching aid in your classroom you may need ethics approval. To help you work out when you do or do not need to apply for ethics approval, the New Zealand Association of Science Educators (NZASE) has developed a simple Flowchart “Do I need animal ethics approval?” (see Resource Links below) Submission to Animal Ethics Committees for school projects or teaching If you do need to gain animal ethics approval for your project or teaching activity you need to submit a form to an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) – for schools; NZASE has an animal ethics committee that can approve your application. For more information visit the NZASE website (see Resource Links below). In general the Animal Ethics Committee wants to ensure that the animals that you use will be well treated and subjected to the minimal amount of harm or disruption. All work must be carried out under the umbrella of the animal welfare principles of the Three Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement). For more information see the “Information on animal research” section of this website. There is more information on Animal Ethics Committees in the “Information for researchers” section of this website. When you are drafting your animal ethics application make sure you outline the benefits of conducting the study and also fully consider the harm to the animal. The Animal Ethics Committee will make a risk:benefit assessment; this means that if the risk of harm to the animal is high (for example, the experiment is quite invasive) then the benefits must also be high (for example, the potential for a new medicine). However, if the risk is low (for example, playing music to your fish) then the potential benefit doesn’t need to be very high (for example, it might help you and your class better understand how well fish hear). You also need to meet the normal husbandry requirements for the animal including providing food, shelter, warmth, safety and room to behave normally. Lastly, you need to show that you have considered the Three Rs animal welfare principles in your experimental design. Legislation on the use of animals in research, testing and teaching Legal requirements exist to protect the animals that we interact with. This includes making sure our pets are treated well, that farm animals are taken care of and that our native species are not exploited. In New Zealand the use of animals in research, testing and teaching is controlled by the Animal Welfare Act 1999. This legislation is designed to protect animals in NZ from harmful or inhumane treatment. It covers our obligation to care for animals; who can conduct surgical procedures on animals; animal exports; humane treatment of wild animals; and codes of welfare. For more information see the “Guide to the Animal Welfare Act” which is available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website) (see Resource Links below). Resource links on animal ethics in New Zealand Schools The following resources are available on animal ethics in New Zealand schools: Animal ethics resources on TKI website Download Three Rs poster (ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 6.7 MB, 1 page) Ethical guidelines for school students (ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 108 kb, 1 page) Guide to the Animal Welfare Act (Ministry for Primary Industries) NZ Association of Science Educators (NZASE) website on animal ethics The Five Freedoms (RNZSPCA website)

  • Alternatives to Animals in RTT | ANZCCART

    Alternatives to using animals in research, testing or teaching This section contains a selection of resources highlighting the alternatives to using animals in research, testing and teaching. The Three Rs animal welfare principles The Three Rs — replacement, reduction and refinement — were first introduced by the authors Russell and Burch in their 1959 book, The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique (available through the Johns Hopkins Alt Web website ). Since then these ideas have become fundamental principles in the area of animal welfare for research, testing and teaching. ​ Replacement means that where possible we encourage and support the replacement of animal use with alternatives (e.g., cell cultures). Reduction is about reducing the numbers of animals used in research, testing and teaching, without impacting on the quality of the data gained. This can be achieved through robust training programmes, preventing duplication of studies and ensuring good study design. Refinement aims to minimise and eliminate the suffering of animals used for research, testing and teaching. Good animal husbandry, ethical conduct and empathy are important if refinements are to be achieved. ANZCCART Resources The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) and the Ministry for Primary Industries have produced a series of booklets on the application of the three Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) in the use of animals in research and teaching. The following focus on replacement and reduction. Cell-based Disease Models (replacement) Computer Assisted Learning (replacement) Mannequins and Dummies (replacement) Alternatives to shellfish toxicity testing (replacement) Fireflies to the rescue (reduction) Mathematical models (reduction) Tissue sharing (reduction) ​ Resource links on alternatives 9th World congress on alternatives and animal use in the life sciences (conference website) Alt web (resource database hosted by Johns Hopkins University) Altex, alternatives to animal experimentation (journal website) Centre for Alternatives to Animal Testing (at Johns Hopkins University) EU reference laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) European society for alternates to animal testing ICCVAM (US committee advancing alternatives to animal testing) Korean centre for the validation of alternatives to animal testing (KoCVAM) Physicians committee for responsible medicine, alternatives to animal testing Statistics resources for experiments involving animals

  • Awards

    Awards ANZCCART New Zealand provides a range of awards to promote professional development and to recognise those that provide an excellent service towards improving animal welfare in the context of animal use in research and teaching. There are various awards that are applicable for Animal Technicians, AEC members, Researchers, and Students (secondary and tertiary). So please take advantage of this opportunity to nominate someone or apply for an award yourself. New Zealand AEC Member of the Year Award This award has been created by ANZCCART to recognise the excellent service offered to Animal Ethics Committees by their members in New Zealand. As part of this award, ANZCCART provides for the recipient to the annual ANZCCART Conference. View details of the application form and eligibility criteria below: AEC Member Award information .docx Download DOCX • 129KB Applications are now open, and the deadline for nominations is 22 April 2024. Award recipients 2023 Adrian Bibby (Victoria University of Wellington) 2022 Dr Bruce Dobbs (University of Otago) 2020 Ms Ali Cullum (AgResearch Ltd) and Professor Anthony Phillips (University of Auckland) 2018 Dr Deborah Samson (University of Auckland) and Dr Dave Morgan (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research) ANZCCART Animal Care Award ANZCCART New Zealand has established a national award to recognise the significant contribution made by individual New Zealand-based technicians and research assistants, particularly in regard to the welfare of the animals. For more information, see the awards criteria and nomination form below: Animal-Care-Awards-Criteria-and-Nomination-Form .doc Download DOC • 35KB Applications are now open, and the deadline for nominations is 22 April 2024. Award recipients 2023 Mr Geoff Purchas (Massey University) 2022 Mr Aaron Malthus (AgResearch Ltd) 2021 Mr Trevor Watson (AgResearch Ltd) 2020 Ms Brittnee Southland (Massey University) 2019 Mr Jaskirat Kaur (Malaghan Institute of Medical Research) 2018 Technicians of the Large Animal Unit, Vernon Jansen Unit (University of Auckland) 2017 Ms Stephanie Delaney (AgResearch Ltd) ANZCCART Secondary Student Essay Competition ANZCCART hopes to inspire students to think critically about the role animal research plays in today’s society and to engage with the difficulties that surround animal use. Building on the NCEA assessment tasks for NCEA Achievement Standards (Biology 1.2, 2.2, and 3.2), which integrates biological knowledge to develop an informed response to a socio-scientific issue, the ANZCCART New Zealand Secondary School Essay Competition is an opportunity to showcase student work developed in these modules. Applications are now open, and the deadline for nominations is 19 July 2024. First prize: $100, second prize: $75, third prize: $50. Conditions of entry and other details for the Competition can be found here: ANZCCART-Secondary-Student-Essay-Competition-2024 .pdf Download PDF • 205KB Award recipients: 2023 First prize: Brier Chin (Wellington Girls' College) Animals In Research in New Zealand (3) .pdf Download PDF • 90KB Second prize: Hasnula Babaranda (James Hargest College) Babaranda .pdf Download PDF • 138KB 2022 First prize: Oshadha Perera (Southland Boys’ High School, Invercargill) Oshadha 2022 ANZCCART Essay Competition .docx Download DOCX • 20KB 2020 First prize: Hannah Wilson (Rudolf Steiner School) – Essay Second prize: Shruti Sharma (Epsom Girls Grammar School) Third prize: Devanshi Ranjan (Epsom Girls Grammar School) – Essay Note: The views and opinions expressed in these essays are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of ANZCCART NZ. ANZCCART Communication Competition The purpose of the competition is to encourage thinking about communicating the role animal research and teaching plays in today’s society, in an engaging way. This competition is open to organisations and individuals, as well as tertiary and secondary education students. Entries can include: animation, painting, sculpture, music, video, presentation, dance, writing or cooking. Applications are now open, and the deadline for nominations is 19 July 2024 . First prize (general entry): $100, second prize: $75, third prize: $50. First prize (Secondary school): $100. Conditions of entry and other details for the Competition can be found here: ANZCCART-Science-communication-competition .pdf Download PDF • 524KB Award recipients 2020 First prize (Secondary school): Oshadha Tharuka Perera (Southland Boys’ High School) Oshadha Perera .pdf Download PDF • 104KB 2020 First prize (general entry): Meg Brasell-Jones for “ Connectivity/Reciprocity ” Note: The views and opinions expressed in these communication examples are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of ANZCCART NZ. ANZCCART School Science Fair Prize ANZCCART will support the awarding of an ANZCCART School Science Fair Prize, with the provision of prize money for the best project where: Students have undertaken study or research on an animal-based project Animal Ethics approval has been applied for and given Correct procedures and practices have been undertaken in study Students know importance of ethics approval Email for more information about how to get prize sponsorship . More information about how to apply for Animal Ethics Approval for school science fair projects can be found at the National Association of Science Educators . ANZCCART Fellow ANZCCART (NZ) has created a new ANZCCART board observer position for early stage researchers, to both give early stage researchers an opportunity for ANZCCART board experience, but also to inform the Board with their perspectives. The Fellowship is: Award: $3k per year Period: 2 years Conditions: Postgraduate (within 8 years of completion of undergraduate degree) – for people in PhDs or Post Docs. This does not preclude the ability to hold a non-Fellowship position on the Board at a later date. The Current ANZCCART (NZ) Fellow (2023-25) is: Morgan Heslop, PhD student, Massey University. Previous ANZCCART Fellows were: 2021-2023: Essie Van Zuylen, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Canterbury ANZCCART Tertiary Essay Competition The student winner of the inaugural 2014 ANZCCART Essay Competition was Katherine Reid (Massey University), for her essay entitled Conversations to Improve Animal Welfare in Research and Teaching . The student winner of the 2018 ANZCCART Essay Competition was Alysha Mckeeman (University of Otago), for her essay entitled Moral Status and Obligations to Animals in Research . The student winner of the 2019 ANZCCART Essay Competition was Caitlin Morton-Burns (University of Canterbury), for her essay entitled Openness of animal research as a limitation to scientific endeavour . Aotearoa New Zealand John Schofield 3Rs implementation award The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC), with the support of ANZCCART (NZ), run the Aotearoa New Zealand John Schofield 3Rs implementation award. The most recent winner of the award, in 2022, was Neil Ward and colleagues from Information Technology Services, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University for an innovative web-based database application to enable teachers and researchers to share samples for use in research, testing and teaching. Previous winners of the award have been: 2020: Dr Benjamin Albert (Liggins Institute, University of Auckland) for refining methods for oral nutritional or drug intervention. 2018: Massey-SPCA Desexing Clinic The Aotearoa New Zealand John Schofield 3Rs implementation award is named in memory of ANZCCART (NZ) committee member Dr John Schofield. Global 3Rs Awards Programme The Global 3Rs Awards program recognizes significant innovative contributions toward the 3Rs of animal research to advance ethical science, by any researcher in academia or industry in any area of biology. Up to four Global Awards (North America, Europe, Pacific Rim, and the Rest of World) are made in the amount of $5,000 (USD) each. Award nominations must be based on a primary research paper that advances any of the 3Rs and is published in a peer-reviewed journal in the last three (3) years. These may include modifications to existing research techniques or any innovative research approach including, but not limited to: improvements to whole-animal models, tissue-based models, molecular techniques, analytic and computational models, study design or technique refinements, and translational medicine applications. For more information see: here The Ron Kilgour Memorial Trust Student Travel Award The Ron Kilgour Memorial Trust (RKMT) was established as a memorial to the late Dr Ronald Kilgour to organise, promote and foster activities in relation to research and teaching in the areas of ethology, behaviour, social values and personal, social and agricultural development and associated international relations. The RKMT accepts applications from students, within New Zealand, who are currently enrolled in a graduate degree (Honours, MSc or PhD) and are studying in the area of animal behaviour and welfare. The award will provide partial or full funding to attend and present their research at a relevant congress (e.g., ISAE, IEC or similar). Selection will be based on the potential impact of the students’ research toward improving animal welfare and on financial need. The award has the following objectives: To increase the profile of animal behaviour and welfare as a scientific discipline. To encourage students to investigate issues in animal behaviour and welfare. To provide students the opportunity to attend a conference to present their research and increase their profile by providing networking opportunities with other scientists working in the field. Email for application details .

  • ANZCCART Conference 2011

    ANZCCART Conference 2011 Science with feeling: animals and people Proceedings of the 2011 ANZCCART Conference Rotorua, New Zealand Contents and Foreword Opening Address Reflections on the use of animals in research, testing and teaching in New Zealand – a historical perspective – Dr A. C. David Bayvel, Linda Carsons, Paula Lemow and Dr Mark Fisher International reflections: looking back over the last 20 years – Dr Judy A. MacArthur Clark Session 1: I don’t like pain but what can we do about it? What’s special about pain? – Dr John Schofield “I’ll have the fish and shrimps”: pain and analgesia in invertebrates and fish – Dr Kurt K. Sladky The recognition and relief of pain in birds – Associate Professor Brett Gartrell Analgesia in ruminants – Dr Paul Chambers Cam Reid Oration 2011: Does the fetus feel pain, and why do we care to know? Professor Laura Bennet Session 2: Resolving the dilemmas Serving on an Animal Ethics Committee – a hospital pass or a valued distinction? Dr Mark Oliver Dr Geoff Dandie Serving on an Animal Ethics Committee – the system and pot pourri of issues Who qualifies as an investigator? – Dr Erich von Dietze and Dr Ted Rohr Animal Ethics Committees: a veterinary practitioner’s point of view – Dr Tim Mather Animal welfare in a new world – Jeanette Crosado Reflections on an Animal Ethics Committee – Dr Mandy Paterson ANZCCART New Zealand Animal Care Technicians’ Awards Compassion fatigue – Debbie Chesterfield Welfare in a chronic model of cardiac disease in sheep – Linley Nisbet Session 3: The importance of people Euthanasia in the workplace – impacts on staff – Professor Peter Davie Caring for the carers: compassion fatigue and disenfranchised grief – Dr Peter Huggard Reviewing the reviews: an update on the analysis of the process of ensuring regulatory compliance in the use of animals in science in New Zealand – Dr Virginia Williams and Linda Carsons Seeking nature in the city: the implications of feeding wildlife – Associate Professor Darryl Jones Female students’ attitudes towards the use of animals in scientific research and teaching – Sally Birdsall and Dr Beverley France Student and university perspectives on animal rights and wrongs – Dr Ngaio J. Beausoleil Animal models: their role in understanding brain dysfunction – Dr Ruth M. A. Napper Session 4: Science with feeling Science with feeling: relevance of animal emotions to research, testing and teaching – Dr Jim Webster Methodologies to measure affective states in animals: a focus on cognitive approaches – Dr Else Verbeek and Dr Caroline Lee What is it like to be a rat? Providing good environments for experimental animals – Dr Emily Patterson-Kane and Professor David J. Mellor

  • About Us

    About Us ANZCCART (Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching) is two independent organisations in each of Australia and New Zealand committed to providing leadership in addressing ethical, social, cultural and scientific issues relating to the use and welfare of animals in research and teaching. We have a shared Vision, Mission and Role in society. ANZCCART’s VISION To be the leading source of information and advice concerning the ethical, social, cultural and scientific use of animals in research and teaching. MISSION STATEMENT ANZCCART’s corporate mission and objectives are to promote: Informed open discussion and debate within the community when considering ethical, social, cultural and scientific issues relating to the use of animals in research and teaching, by providing a neutral forum. Excellence in the use and welfare of animals supplied for or used in research and teaching. Responsible scientific use of animals. The 3Rs principle of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement as they apply to the use of animals for scientific purposes. Strategic partnerships to contribute to the education and training of scientists, students , animal care staff, members of Animal Ethics Committees, and the broader community. ANZCCART’s ROLE ANZCCART seeks to achieve these objectives, first by providing an ongoing focus to the social, ethical, cultural and scientific issues involved, second by providing a forum for discussion of these issues and third by facilitating access to relevant specialist advice and resources. Further, through its publications and activities ANZCCART is a source of information for the general public about how animals are used in research and teaching in Australia and New Zealand. ANZCCART New Zealand Established as a standing committee of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, the Board of ANZCCART New Zealand comprises representatives from the researc h, animal welfare, animal ethics and education communities. ANZCCART New Zealand is an advisory organisation that provides guidance and information to a wide range of stakeholders, including Animal Ethics Committees (AEC), scientists, teachers, regulatory authorities, granting agencies, government, animal welfare organisations , the media, and the general public. ANZCCART New Zealand promotes and supports the commitment to the principles embodied in the New Zealand legislation regulating the use of animals in research, testing and teaching in New Zealand ( Animal Welfare Act 1999, Part 6 ). AIMS Our primary aims are to: Promote open discussions around the social license for, ethical and cultural considerations related to, and scientific validity of the use of animals in research and teaching. A pillar of this is the ANZCCART Openness Agreement on Animal Use in Research and Teaching. Encourage the highest standards of care, consideration and responsible use of animals for research and teaching purposes. . Act as a focal point for information and advice concerning the ethical and scientific use of animals in research and teaching. Advocate for the "Three Rs" – replacement, reduction and refinement of animals in research and teaching – as a guiding principle. Identify, enable, and enhance strategic partnerships that develop capacity by contributing to and supporting the education and training of scientists, students, and the broader community. Support the development and inclusion of mātauranga Māori in relation to the care and use of animals in research and teaching, and alignment of policy and practice with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. VALUES In pursuing our aims, we are guided by the following values: Rigour: We apply rigorous standards to our discussions and recommendations, ensuring that they are based on the best available evidence and informed by the perspectives of all relevant stakeholders. Openness: We are committed to transparency and openness in our processes, fostering an environment where challenging and informed debate can take place. Respo nsiveness: We aim to respond effectively to emerging ethical, social, cultural, scientific issues and developments relating to the use and welfare of animals in research and teaching. Inclusiveness: We actively engage with diverse stakeholders, including the research, animal welfare, and education communities, to ensure that our work is comprehensive and well-rounded. Collaboration: We work collaboratively with various organisations , i nstitutions, and individuals to achieve our objectives and contribute to a more responsible and compassionate future for both animals and humans. Partnership: We support and affirm the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including the bicultural partnership it establishes between tangata Tiriti and tangata whenua, in all our aims and work. ANZCCART NZ Board Terms of Reference 2022 .pdf Download PDF • 234KB Our People New Zealand Board Members: Emeritus Professor Pat Cragg (Chair), retired, formerly University of Otago (2022-2024) Chair of the ANZCCART New Zealand Board since April 2020. Pat is a physiologist, and from undergraduate training, a zoologist; her research area covered cardiorespiratory function and control in health and disease; her breadth of teaching is typified as a co-editor of a long-standing physiology textbook. Prior to retirement in May 2018, she held appointments at the University of Otago, for instance as Head of Department of Physiology, Associate Dean Academic Health Sciences and Acting Dean of School of Biomedical Sciences. Pat was on the University's Animal Ethics Committee for 27 years and on the ANZCCART New Zealand Board for 18 years, with four years as Deputy Chair, as well as seven years as the NZ representative on the ANZCCART Australian Board. For many years Pat was Secretary of the Physiological Society of NZ and Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Otago Medical Research Foundation (OMRF). she now Chairs the OMRF Council. From mid-April 2019 to the end of January 2022, she returned from retirement to be the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at the University of Otago. Dr Arnja Dale (Deputy Chair), Chief Scientific Officer, Royal New Zealand SPCA (2022-2024) Arnja has over 20 years working in the field of animal welfare science in New Zealand and overseas. Arnja is the Chief Scientific Officer at SPCA New Zealand. Prior to joining SPCA, Arnja was a Senior Lecturer in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law, leading numerous research projects, and also led the animal welfare investigations training programme at Unitec. She is a current member of the ANZCCART NZ, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) and the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC). Arnja is passionate about animal welfare science and changing the hearts and minds of the next generation through evidence-based education initiatives. Arnja lives in Auckland with her husband, 3 children, and her dog and cat. Professor Ngaio Beausoleil, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University (2023) Ngaio is Professor of Animal Welfare Science and Co-Director of the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, NZ. She has been active in research, teaching and scholarship in relevant areas of animal physiology, behaviour and welfare science for 20 years. Her research employs behavioural and physiological methods to investigate various aspects of animal welfare in both domestic and wild animal species. A key strength is her systematic, science-based approach to evaluating animal welfare impacts and she has been closely involved in the evolution of the Five Domains Model for more than a decade. Ngaio provides scientific support, advice and research to governments, various animal industries and veterinary professional bodies in New Zealand and around the world. As well as being a member of ANZCCART, she is Chair of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal editorial board, an independent scientific expert on the Wellington Zoo Animal Welfare Committee and Massey liaison to the UK Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. She gets a real buzz out of working with postgraduate research students. Life outside of work includes children, horses and downhill mountain biking. Dr Sally Birdsall, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University of Auckland (2022-2024) Sally Birdsall works at the Faculty of Education and Social Work in the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau. She teaches and carries out research in science and sustainability education with a focus on pedagogy – the theories, approaches and strategies that can be used to teach and learn effectively. In her work with ANZCCART New Zealand, she has led the development of two resources for secondary students where they can learn about the way scientists work with animals to produce scientific knowledge and think critically about the interconnectedness of science and society. Sally is currently working on another project that aims to produce a resource to help students to explore Māori principles in relation to animal ethics. With Professor Georgina Tuari Stewart (Ngāti Kura, Ngāpuhi-nui-tonu, Pare Hauraki), she is working with the Science Learning Hub on material that primary and secondary students in both English-medium and kura will be able to use to deepen their understanding of mātauranga Māori and Western science perspectives about animals. Outside of work, Sally spends time with her grandchildren and working on environmental restoration projects, both in the reserve next to her house and in the community. Vanessa Borman, Animal Ethics Coordinator, AgResearch (2023-2025) I have an MSc in Toxicology and experience in laboratory animal research, science administration and animal ethics. My inspiration is a love of science, animals and working with people. My current role is AgResearch Animal Ethics Coordinator which has provided the opportunity to travel and meet interesting people doing amazing things. I bring energy and action with a unique perspective on science and ethics. Associate Professor Justin Dean, Department of Physiology, University of Auckland (2021-2023) I study brain development, how it can be affected by premature birth, and ways to try to prevent or restore deficits in brain development. I was always fascinated by science, particularly the brain. I love the intellectual freedom associated with running a research laboratory and the training and teaching of younger scientists. After my PhD, my wife and I lived in Sweden and the USA as part of my postdoctoral training, and had children in those countries. Another highlight was the opportunity to return to NZ with family to start faculty research and teaching position at the University of Auckland. I am involved in coaching kids sports (cricket, netball, rugby), and also enjoy surfing, running, and cooking. Dr Mike King, Senior Lecturer, Bioethics Centre, University of Otago (2022-2024) I’m Head of Department at the Te Pokapū Matatika Koiora the Bioethics Centre, within the Dunedin School of Medicine and the Division of Health Sciences at the University of Otago. Bioethics Centre staff and students research, teach and learn about of the rights and wrongs (that is to say, the ethics) of healthcare and the biosciences. A lot of my work focuses on the ethics of animal use in research. I used to do animal research, which was the beginning of my path to my present career in bioethics. I come from the small town of Te Puke in the North Island of New Zealand. It has a sign saying it’s the kiwifruit capital of the world and has an enormous slice of kiwifruit on display to back it up. Mr Tipene Merritt, Kaiārahi Rangahau Māori, University of Canterbury (2023-2025) I am the key advisor of Ko Aotearoa Tēnei (Wai 262) - Māori interests in research concerning native flora and fauna; have Governance role of an Australian Co-operative Research Centre, Future Farm Industries; and develop mutually beneficial research relationships between Māori communities and Universities. I am looking to add a Māori viewpoint and a research management perspective to the social, ethical and scientific use of animals in research and teaching. I am completing a PhD on the interface between Mātauranga Māori and the Intellectual Property Rights system. Further to this I am an active member in hapū/iwi affairs and I also practice yoga. Stacey Parbhu, Animal Welfare Science Manager, Ministry for Primary Industries Stacey is currently leading the Animal Welfare Science team at MPI. As part of this role, she works alongside the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) and a team of technical and science advisors to ensure good governance to support RTT activities across New Zealand. She has been active in the care of companion animals, research animal husbandry, animal project management and animal facility management in a variety of positions since 2007, including AgResearch and Massey University. In 2017, Stacey moved to Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University in Wellington, to operate their brand-new small animal facility, eventually becoming the facility manager. In 2024 Stacey finalised her master’s thesis which utilised a mouse IVF model, providing her a greater understanding of the challenges and complexities many organisations will encounter with animal replacement techniques Ian Saldanha, Biosecurity Compliance Coordinator, Cawthron Institute (2023-2025) I have been involved in the lab animal industry for over 10 years. Before taking up a position at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson, I was the Head of the Animal facility at the Malaghan Institute in Wellington. This is where my passion for working with animals grew. During this time, I served on the executive committee for Australia New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association (ANZLAA) for a few years where I used this opportunity to support those that work in the animal science field and meet others from the industry. One of the highlights in my career was getting the opportunity to travel the world, visit other animal facilities, and gain an understanding about how they operate. Outside my profession I have a love for the outdoors in particular running. I enjoy travelling, meeting new people, and of course spending time with my family. ANZCCART Fellow (observer) Ms Morgan Heslop, PhD student, Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, Massey University (2023-2025) My research expertise is in animal welfare science, and I am particularly interested in how we understand the inner lives of animals. I was inspired to pursue a career in research when I learned of an entire scientific discipline dedicated to answering questions I had been asking myself for years! What I love most is discussing welfare and ethics with people who share my enthusiasm – or who can be convinced to! Our members (funders): Along with Unitec|Te Pūkenga. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact ANZCCART (NZ). History of ANZCCART ANZCCART, the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching, was established on the 1st of January, 1993, as a result of a collaborative effort between the Australian Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ACCART, established in May 1987) and various New Zealand authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (now known as the Ministry for Primary Industries) and the Royal Society of New Zealand (now Royal Society Te Apārangi). In New Zealand, this followed decades of efforts by the Society to promote and progress the humane use of animals in science. The Australia-New Zealand collaboration aimed to address the growing need for ethical and scientific guidance in the use of animals for research and teaching purposes in both countries. In New Zealand, ANZCCART operates as a committee of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, maintaining strong connections with its Australian counterpart. New Zealand formed a standing committee of the Royal Society and joined ACCART to form ANZCCART in 1993. The joint name was to emphasise united efforts in promoting the ethical use of animals in research and teaching across both nations.This partnership has allowed the organizations to share resources, expertise, and knowledge while working towards common goals. For a comprehensive understanding of ANZCCART's history, we recommend reading the article “ Reflections on the use of animals in research, testing and teaching in New Zealand – a historical perspective. ” by Dr David Bayvel et al. (2011). (PDF, 653 kb, 4 pages) This article offers valuable insights into the development of ANZCCART and the progress made over the years in improving the ethical and scientific use of animals in research, testing, and teaching in both Australia and New Zealand. Resource links about ANZCCART and animal welfare in New Zealand The following resources about ANZCCART and animal welfare in New Zealand are available: Animal Research Saves Lives (ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 1.8 MB, 14 pages) Animal welfare in NZ (Ministry of Primary Industries) ANZCCART Annual Report (PDF, 1.5 MB, 46 pages) ANZCCART Newsletters Culture of Care (NAEAC guide for people working with animals in research, testing and teaching) (PDF) SPCA New Zealand The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) website The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) website What is ANZCCART (2017)(ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 428 kb, 1 page)

  • Animal Comfort

    Animal welfare Information on how to better manage pain in research animals The following articles have been selected by panel members of ANZCCART to help researchers and AEC members improve their understanding of anaesthesia in research animals. Resources on how to improve anaesthesia in research animals Richebé, Philippe, et al. “Ketamine improves the management of exaggerated postoperative pain observed in perioperative fentanyl-treated rats.” Anesthesiology 102.2 (2005): 421-428. (Read the Richebe Abstract ) Langford, Dale J., et al. “Coding of facial expressions of pain in the laboratory mouse.” Nature methods 7.6 (2010): 447-449. (Read the Langford Abstract ) Information on anaesthesia in research animals The following articles have been selected by panel members of ANZCCART to help researchers and AEC members improve their understanding of anaesthesia in research animals. For a selection of resources we recommend publications by Paul Flecknell such as Anaethesia in research animals . Resource links on anaesthesia in research animals Saha, Joy K., et al. “Acute hyperglycemia induced by ketamine/xylazine anesthesia in rats: mechanisms and implications for preclinical models.” Experimental Biology and Medicine 230.10 (2005): 777-784. (Read the Saha Abstract ) Eintrei, Christina, L. Sokoloff, and C. B. Smith. “Effects of diazepam and ketamine administered individually or in combination on regional rates of glucose utilization in rat brain.” British journal of anaesthesia 82.4 (1999): 596-602. (Read the Eintrei Abstract ) Curtin, Leslie I., et al. “Evaluation of buprenorphine in a postoperative pain model in rats.” Comparative medicine 59.1 (2009): 60. (Read the Curtin Abstract ) Toth, Linda A. “Defining the moribund condition as an experimental endpoint for animal research.” ILAR Journal 41.2 (2000): 72-79. (Read the Toth Abstract )

  • ANZCCART Conference 2001

    ANZCCART Conference 2001 Joint ANZCCART/NAEAC Conference on 28-29 June 2001 Held at the Novotel Tainui Hotel, Hamilton, New Zealand NB: this page was written in advance of the conference Exploring the relationships between ourselves, animals, and the environment is the theme of the conference jointly organised by the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) and the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC). Issues to be addressed include the interdependence and interconnectedness of all life, the images of science and scientists, relevant legislation, dealing with new technology, fish research, and what could and should statistics or the popular media tell us. In understanding these relationships and challenging our beliefs, this conference will help to map the intricate connections between humans, animals, and the environment. It will therefore be valuable to anyone interested in how we learn, communicate, and evolve the relationships between ourselves and the natural world. This conference will be of special interest to those involved in education, in science in both the public and private sectors, and to those interested in teaching, animal welfare, the environment, ethics, and the communication and regulation of community expectations. The programme will provide both local, Australian, and international perspectives. ANZCCART aims to provide leadership in developing community consensus on ethical, social, and scientific issues relating to the use of animals in research and teaching. NAEAC provides independent advice to the Minister of Agriculture on policy and practices relating to the use of animals in research, testing and teaching. Programme Thursday, 28 June 8.15 am Registration 8.45 am Opening Session 1 Primary and secondary education Focus: To consider how our interaction with animals and the environment has changed and how we might develop better interactions through education 9.00 am Cam Reid Oration: Learning, animals and the environment — an animal rights perspective Mr Gary Reese, Compassion in World Farming, London; former member of SAFE, Auckland (by videoconference) 9.40 amInfluences on learning Mrs Barbara Benson, Dunedin College of Education 10.20 am Morning tea 10.50 am Consequences of the continuity between the human and biological worlds Professor David Penny, Massey University 11.30 am Science in the classroom Mr Peter Trim, Independent consultant 12 noon Lunch Session 2 Tertiary education and research and teaching Focus: To consider the influences which impinge on the acceptability of animal-based research, testing and teaching and how we might acknowledge and incorporate them 1.00 pm Public perception of scientists: Frankenstein and Einstein Professor Frank Griffin, University of Otago 1.40 pm The next generation of scientist Dr Catherine Morrow, AgResearch Ruakura 2.20 pm Alternatives and the future Professor Bruce Baguley, Auckland Cancer Society Research Institute 3.00 pm Afternoon tea 3.30 pm The Animal Welfare Act 1999 – impacts and issues Professor John Marbrook, Deputy Chair NAEAC 4.10 pm Skeletons and sovereigns in the cupboard — learning from history Dr Mark Fisher, AgResearch Poukawa Friday, 29 June Session 3 Future challenges Focus: To consider the challenges that we could use to build an appropriate learning environment for our interaction with animals and nature 8.30 am Moving forward with the media Dr Mark Matfield, Research Defense Society, UK (by videoconference); Dr Kay Weavers, University of Waikato 9.25 am Democratically modified science Ms Ronda Cooper, Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment 10.05 am Morning tea 10.25 am The next Animal Welfare Act Hon Pete Hodgson, Minister of Research, Science and Technology 11.10 am Fish as experimental animals Good for science and fish? Dr John Baldwin, Monash University, Melbourne 11.40 am “Back off man, I’m a scientist” Dr David Scobie, AgResearch Lincoln 12.20 pm Lunch Session 4 Care and regulation Focus: To consider how society should move forward in dealing with the regulatory aspects of animals and the environment. 1.00 pm Dealing with the emerged technologies Dr Judy McArthur-Clark, Biozone, UK 1.40 pm Living with the legislation Dr Donald Hannah, ERMA NZ 2.20 pm Care beyond regulation Dr Barbara Nicholas, Christchurch 3.00 pm Close of conference Conference details Venue The 2001 ANZCCART conference was held jointly with the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC). The venue is the Novotel Tainui Hotel, Alma Street, Hamilton — located on the banks of the Waikato River in the Central Business District of Hamilton.

  • Animal Ethics and Legislation

    Information on animal ethics and legislation in New Zealand It is the responsibility of everyone who uses animals to ensure that they are only used when absolutely necessary and that when they are used they are treated with care and respect. If an animal is used for research, testing or teaching the work must be conducted in line with the Three Rs (from the ideas of Russell and Burch in their 1959 book The principles of humane experimental technique available through the Johns Hopkins Alt Web website). Replacement Where possible an alternative to using animals must be used. This could include a computer model or cell culture (where animal or human cells are grown in a laboratory). Reduction The minimum number of animals must be used to gain good experimental results. This means that experiments must be well designed and that as many experimental variables as possible are controlled (i.e., that you only change one thing in your experimental group as compared to your control group). This means that the research or test will provide quality data which can withstand statistical analysis. Refinement The animals should not suffer. At all times the health and wellbeing of animals should be a priority. As much as possible the animal should be able to live normally, free from any pain and suffering, throughout the research, teaching or testing process. To gain ethical approval to work with animals (research, testing or teaching) you must submit an application to an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). Most research institutions (e.g. university) have their own Animal Ethics Committees. To find out how to apply you should contact your Head of Department or the research office of your institution. If you work in an institution or company that does not have an Animal Ethics Committee please contact the Ministry for Primary Industries ( animalwelfare@mpi.govt.nz ) for advice on how to proceed. Legislation on the use of animals in research, testing and teaching In New Zealand the use of animals in research, testing and teaching is controlled by the Animal Welfare Act 1999 . This legislation is designed to protect animals in New Zealand from harmful or inhumane treatment. It covers our obligation to care for animals; who can conduct surgical procedures on animals; animal exports; humane treatment of wild animals; and codes of welfare. For information on the control of animal use in research, testing and teaching under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, see the Ministry for Primary Industries website . Anyone wishing to carry out any form of research, testing or teaching on an animal must first apply for approval from an Animal Ethics Committee. Approval is normally sought by a lead investigator or teaching team leader. Once approval is given it will allow the named students and employees to carry out the animal work provided they are adequately trained and are fully aware of the protocols, including those around animal care.

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