Using Animals in Science

This resource is prepared jointly by ANZCCART (NZ) and the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre at Massey University in New Zealand.

This resource provides information about the use of animals in science, i.e. animal use in research, teaching and testing. It deals with why animals are used, how any harm done to animals is kept as low as it can be, what benefits arise from their use, and the importance of weighing any harm against the benefits when deciding whether or not to use animals.

Also covered is the importance of ethical thinking in science and some ethical ideas which oppose or support the use of animals in science. Finally, the control of the scientific uses of animals in Australia is described.

Uses

  • School project resource for children
  • Teaching resource for school teachers
  • Interesting and helpful information for parents
  • Important information for tertiary students in any branch of animal-based science
  • Useful general information for tertiary students in other disciplines
  • Useful background information for researchers and tertiary teachers
  • Valuable resource for independent members of Animal Ethics Committees

Why study animals? Benefits of animal based science Balancing harm and benefit Animal welfare Ethics and animal use in science Control of animal use in science Further reading