Introduction To Animal Ethics

Introduction:
The Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) has developed a Code of Ethical Conduct that complies with requirements laid down by the Animal welfare act 1999 (New Zealand legislation website) including sections 80 and 100 of the Act, which set out the purposes of the regulatory system for the use of animals in science, the promotion of the three R’s (Reduction, Replacement and Refinement), and the criteria for decision-making. This Code was approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 requires that institutions conducting research using animals comply with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 2004 (the Code) and nominate an Animal Ethics

As long as their suffering can be minimized “where possible”, they can be used and then disposed of in scientific projects of “merit”. The Code uses a lot of words, such as “necessary”, “essential” and “justified”, but is short on criteria for how these critical terms should be interpreted.

The Role of an AEC:
The primary responsibility of AECs is to ensure that all care and use of animals is conducted in compliance with the Code. AECs apply a set of principles that govern the ethical conduct of people whose work involves the use of animals for scientific purposes. The role of the AEC is to ensure that the use of animals is justified, provides for the welfare of those animals and incorporates the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs).
The 3Rs are defined in the Code as:
• Replacement - techniques that replace the use of animals must be sought and used where possible
• Reduction - each project must use no more than the minimum number of animals necessary and
• Refinement - projects should be designed to avoid pain and distress in

 AECs are responsible for approving and monitoring research within Accredited Animal Research Establishments, including carrying out inspections of animals and facilities.
 No animal research may be carried out without AEC approval. AECs must consider and evaluate applications to conduct research on the basis of the researchers’ responses to a comprehensive set of questions, including their justification for the research, it’s likely impact on the animals, and procedures for preventing or alleviating pain and distress.
 On behalf of the establishment, AECs have the power to stop inappropriate research and to discipline researchers by withdrawing their research approvals. They can require that adequate care, including emergency care, is provided for animals. They also provide guidance and support to researchers on matters relevant to animal welfare, through means such as the preparation of guidelines and dissemination of relevant scientific literature.
 AECs are responsible for advising establishments on the changes to physical facilities that should be made to provide for the needs of the animals