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March 2001 Vol 14 No 1 The culture and agriculture of animal production Animal mythology ogy” which helps to define Currently, in science and Through much of our history the relationship between agriculture, animals are often the wolf has been seen as an ccording to the leg- humans and other species. viewed as “tools for research” enemy of humans who, in our ends of the Ojibwa Animal mythology, in this (to use ’s phrase) popular folk tales, connives to Apeople of central sense, is not a negative term or as commodities to be pro- eat children and old people, Canada, humans were able to implying incorrect or out- duced, processed and traded. and whose death, however survive in the world because dated ideas; it refers rather to However, this view of ani- gruesome, is always a source of the cooperation of animals, basic, popular beliefs and val- mals may clash with the ani- of satisfaction. And in line beginning with the turtle who ues regarding animals, often mal mythology of our culture, with this negative image, peo- allowed its shell to form the best seen in a culture’s art and and that clash can become a ple for centuries have hunted, base of the land, and the toad stories, which influence how source of conflict and public trapped and poisoned wolves who carried soil up from the people view animals and concern. Thus, to understand with few regrets, and until depths. For the people of what they judge to be proper public concerns over the use recent decades, public funds ancient Egypt, a person’s des- conduct toward them. This of animals in agriculture, we in North America were spent tiny after death was decided type of mythological view is need first to understand the to encourage people to exter- by the god Anubis who was not just different from a underlying mythology on minate them. part jackal, by the goddess reductionist, scientific view of which our culture’s values are Matte who was part falcon, animals; it is, in a sense, based. But what are the The farmed animals fall and by other deities who almost the opposite. A reduc- mythologies that pertain to between these two extremes. spanned the human, animal, tionist view sees animals animals in our culture? How They are seen as very much a and supernatural realms. In made up of parts such as are these mythological views part of human culture, and the opening chapter of the genes, chemicals, and physio- changing? And are there sometimes a source of great Bible, all beings were created logical processes, whereas the ways to reconcile our use of pride, but are valued mainly by a single, omnipotent god mythological view starts with farm animals with our animal for their practical usefulness. who then gave humans the the animal as a whole and mythology? Hence, they are seen as wor- responsibility of ruling over then adds additional ele- thy of human care and con- the other species in his place. ments, such as symbolic The nature of animals in sideration, but in ways that meaning and positive or neg- Western mythology are generally consistent with As we see from these ative value, which resonate their practical value. examples, there is a wide- with human fears and aspira- Basic to any animal mytholo- spread tendency for cultures tions. gy are beliefs about what ani- Within our value system, to possess an “animal mythol- mals are like, and related therefore, it might seem com- beliefs about how valuable pletely logical for a person to and important they are. In the take an ageing dog to a veteri- Contents ... West, the most highly valued narian to prolong its life, then animal has traditionally been carefully (so as to avoid caus- the domestic dog which is ing undue stress) load a truck The culture and agriculture of animal production ...... 1 consistently portrayed in art with six month-old pigs to be Experimental research with laboratory animals: and literature as a loyal and shipped for slaughter, and sympathetic friend to finally set out a leg-hold trap one sex or both? ...... 5 humankind. Consistent with to do away with some pesky Review of issues relating to animals in this mythology, dogs are typ- coyote. In reality, those three health research ...... 6 ically treated as members of species are roughly similar in ANZCCART’s 2001 New Zealand conference ...... 7 human families, given dis- their level of mental function- Factors contributing to the acceptance tinctive names, rescued from ing, their capacity for suffer- of biotechnology ...... 8 harm by public institutions, ing, and other attributes that Books reviews ...... 9 and totally exempted from make the animals’ welfare a Newly published ...... 10 slaughter for human food. legitimate concern. The fact Letter ...... 10 that we treat the species so Coming up ...... 11 Ironically, the lowest end differently shows the power- of the moral scale has tradi- ful influence of our animal News ...... 12 tionally been occupied by the mythology on our day-to-day dog’s close relative, the wolf. actions.

The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching Nonetheless, even deeply are such influential thinkers recognised. Thus, the percep- panzees. Summing up these rooted traditional beliefs such as René Descartes and tion that humans were made observations, Fouts describes as these are open to change. Immanuel Kant who claimed in a different mould became the as, “a highly As one example, Thomas that humans are unique, and less and less accepted. intelligent, co-operative, and Dunlap (1988), in a book saw animals as having been violent primate who nurtures called Saving America’s put on earth purely for A second barrier fell with family bonds, adopts or- , describes the vast human use. At the other end the evolutionary thinking of phans, mourns the death of changes that have occurred in are equally influential the 1800s. Through the ideas mothers, practises self-med- the last 50 years in attitudes thinkers such as Voltaire and of Charles Darwin and oth- ication, struggles for power, toward the wolf. As Dunlap Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ers, people began to see the and wages war.” notes, increased scientific who emphasised our related- human species sharing not study of wolves — their ness to the rest of nature, and only a common anatomy with The gap between humans behaviour, communication, were horrified at the idea of other species, but a common and other species could and role in ecological systems treating animals as if they are ancestry as well. This idea hardly seem more narrow. — led to the wolf losing its purely for human use. This was resisted by many who image of a treacherous vil- debate is nicely described in saw it as a direct challenge to This new popular under- lain, and being seen instead the Rod Preece’s book the special status of humans, standing of animals is leading as an intelligent, family-liv- Animals and nature: cultural but it has gradually moved to a major rethinking of how ing animal serving important myths, cultural realities (1999). from being a revolutionary animals should be treated. A ecological functions. In line idea to being the predomi- few decades ago it was social- with this about-face, public A few centuries ago, those nant view in society. ly acceptable in our society to funding for the killing of who emphasised human shoot a chimpanzee mother wolves was withdrawn, and uniqueness had some power- During the late 1900s, I in order to capture her infant, now public funds are even ful arguments on their side. think the study of animal raise it in a cage, and use it as being spent to preserve In terms of appearance, ani- behaviour has led to a further a living test-crash dummy in wolves and to re-establish mals looked different: ani- major change in our view of vehicle safety research. them in parts of their former mals had four legs and fur, or animals, this one centred on Today such conduct would range. wings and feathers, or fins their mental and emotional spark a riot in many countries and scales — nothing like the lives. Key figures in this and prosecution in New The whale provides upright, smooth-skinned development were field biol- Zealand. Moreover, this another example. Tradition- bipeds who saw themselves ogists such as heightened concern for ally the whale was a relative- as designed to resemble God. who studied animals — in wolves, whales and chim- ly minor character in our sto- In terms of origins, all other her case — not panzees is just the most visi- ries and art, appearing only species were thought to have just as examples of a species ble tip of a much broader occasionally in folk-tales to resulted from a separate act type, but studied them more change in our thinking about swallow a sinner or punish of creation, with humans as “persons” who possess the nature and value of ani- an egotistical sea-captain; and fashioned either before or unique life histories and com- mals — a change which caus- in practical terms, whales after the non-human animals, plex social and mental lives. es serious questioning of were treated as little more and living in a special rela- For example, from Jane ways of treating animals that than floating blubber facto- tionship with the Creator. Goodall we learn of seemed uncontroversial a few ries. In recent years, however, And in terms of mental and McGregor, a chimpanzee decades ago. The implica- we have seen a greater under- spiritual life, animals were who was stricken with polio tions for our use of farm ani- standing of whales’ ability to often viewed as intellectually in adulthood and tried mals are profound. migrate over vast distances, inferior, as not capable of log- pathetically to be accepted by their complex system of com- ical thought, and as having his old friends who avoided The agricultural use of ani- munication, their social and bodies but no souls. him once he was crippled; mals in Western mythology cooperative living, and their and we learn of Flint, an care of their young. Patchy as Over the centuries, how- eight-year-old who remained The farming of animals this scientific understanding ever, science has slowly erod- so attached to his aging moth- involves a mythology of its remains, it has led to a vast ed these claims to human er that when she died, he own, including at least two change in the value we attach uniqueness, starting with the stayed near her death place deeply rooted ideas that to whales, to the point that notion of unique appearance. until he, too, died of starva- influence people’s perception holding whales in captivity, During the Middle Ages, one tion (Goodall, 1971). and acceptance of animal even for entertainment and of the frontiers of scientific production. education, has become a research was anatomy, and These field studies — cause of intense controversy, “dissecting theatres” — which have been well pre- A key element is the and restoring a single per- where the public could watch sented to the public in popu- image of the kindly shepherd, forming whale to the wild has the dissection of an animal or lar books and the media — inherited in part from the become a cause that attracts a human criminal cut down have been accompanied by Bible. In the early Biblical cul- international support. from the gallows — sprouted other types of ground-break- ture, raising animals was a up across Europe. Through ing research. In books such as major economic activity, so it This rethinking the value anatomical research, the basic Reaching into Thought: The is not surprising that the of the wolf and whale are just similarity of the vertebrate Minds of the Great Apes ownership and use of animals two examples of a wide- body slowly came to be rec- (Russon et al., 1996), we see were seen as perfectly legiti- spread change in public atti- ognized — that the wing of a psychologists using the meth- mate. However, for animal tudes toward animals. One of bird is really a modified arm; ods of child psychology to herders to prosper, they had our culture’s longest-running that the hoof of a horse is a study the stages of mental to provide their animals with debates, dating back at least modified toe — and this new development in other species. appropriate care: animals had to ancient Greece, is whether understanding worked its In Roger Fouts’ book Next of to be rested in green pastures, humans are unique and set way into popular culture. Kin (1997) we learn about led beside still waters, apart from all other species, According to historian Dix remarkable attempts at inter- defended when in danger, or whether we are simply one Harwood (1928), by the year species communication, even nursed back to health species among many, closely 1700 the basic anatomical including Fouts’ own experi- when injured. These practical related to the animal world. similarity between humans ences in teaching American necessities were reinforced by At the one end of the debate and other species was widely to chim- a culture that attached great

2 ANZCCART News March 2001 Vol 14 No 1 value to the diligent care of the family farm, animals any ethical sensitivity to the ani- consumers, and taking food animals. For the Biblical king played important roles. They mals in their keeping. away from the hungry David, the first indication of were an integral part of the (Robbins, 1987). nations. his kingly qualities was his ecology and economy of the diligence and courage in pro- farm, with the different Whether they are battery In response to these nega- tecting his father’s sheep. species serving important chickens in their cages or pigs in tive portrayals, many agricul- When God selected Rebecca and complementary func- sow stalls, all experience the tural organisations have cre- as the wife of Isaac and moth- tions. Animals were also same mental anguish that would ated promotional materials of er of her nation, the sign that important for moral educa- drive many humans to suicide their own, often in the form of she had been chosen was her tion, because children often — but factory-farmed animals brochures, websites, and offer, when asked for water learned responsibility by car- do not have that option. videos. These depict animal by a thirsty stranger, to water ing for animals. Animals on (Penman, 1996). agriculture as fully reflecting his camels as well. And of traditional farms were seen as ethical animal care and fami- course, a diligent shepherd living a natural and whole- Eating meat has been linked ly farming, while adding cer- protecting a flock of sheep some life, just as the farming to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, tain advantages made avail- was such a positive image family was seen as living a arthritis, and osteoporosis. able by modern knowledge that it was often used as a natural and wholesome life Animal fat and cholesterol ... are and technology. According to metaphor for divine good- removed from the artificiality the leading causes of heart these materials, modern ness. Thus, the Biblical cul- of the city. Thus the “agrarian attacks and strokes. Other health farming is thoroughly benefi- ture created a “pastoralist ideal” puts the family farm on risks are increased by the chemi- cial for . To ideal” which put the animal a moral pedestal, and again cals, antibiotics, and hormones quote a few examples, herder on a moral pedestal; the raising and killing of ani- found in meat... Not eating domestic cattle are said to live and the raising and killing of mals was seen as a legitimate meat, on the other hand, signifi- in the lap of luxury. animals was seen as a legiti- or even virtuous activity as cantly reduces your risk of ill- Confinement housing, in- mate — even virtuous — long as it happened within ness. (Fraser et al., 1990) stead of causing animals to activity as long as it occurred that context. suffer, is claimed to protect the in that context. [Cattle] are destroying the health and welfare of the animals In summary, our culture very biosphere itself, threatening and to facilitate provision of In North America at least, has at least two influential the future stability and viability proper nutrition, clean water the mythology of animal beliefs about the relationship of entire bioregions of the world. and regular care. farming also includes a spe- between people and farm ani- Cattle are among the major envi- cial respect for farm families mals: a “pastoralist ideal” ronmental threats facing the Industry materials claim living in a harmonious rela- which values diligent animal planet today. (Rifkin, 1992) that traditional animal care tionship with the land — an care, and (perhaps especially values are firmly in place — idea that philosopher Paul in America) an “agrarian The vast tonnage of food fed that producers have always Thompson (1998) has called ideal” which reveres the farm to animals to supply the rich recognised their moral obligation the “agrarian ideal” . As family living a wholesome countries with their heavily to provide humane care for their Thompson notes, the idea of life in harmony with its ani- meat-based diet is given at the animals, and are committed to the family farm is closely mals and the land. As long as expense of hungry people around providing the utmost in humane linked to American political animal production is per- the world. (Coats, 1989). care. Animal production is values. At the time of ceived by the public as con- also said to benefit the envi- American Independence forming to one or both of In these quotations we see ronment because grazing there was serious debate as to these ideals, it is almost guar- a complex set of criticisms of improves vegetation health and whether democracy was a anteed a certain level of pub- animal production that have diversity, and com- workable form of govern- lic trust and approval. This developed over the past 40 plete the nutrient cycle, return- ment. Critics claimed that popular mythology has years. In the 1960s, the major ing valuable manure to the land. democracy was doomed to helped set the stage for a vig- ethical concern about animal In a similar way, industry fail because the common peo- orous battle to mould public agriculture was the welfare of materials contradict each of ple would vote themselves perceptions of modern ani- farm animals. When the the various criticisms, coun- benefits that the nation could mal production. famous Brambell Committee tering the thoroughly nega- not support. On this basis, reported in Britain in 1965, tive over-generalisations of countries like the United Conflicting portrayals of the focus was on animal pro- the critics with thoroughly Kingdom tried to balance the animal agriculture duction technology and how positive over-generalisations power of the elected parlia- it affects animal welfare; and from the industry itself. ment with a second tier of Partly because the value we scientists could respond, for government consisting of attach to animals is in such a example, by trying to design The situation has, in hereditary land owners state of change, there has cages where animal welfare effect, become a propaganda whose connection to the land been intense debate about problems would be reduced. battle involving two over- was thought to give them a commercial animal produc- Today, we almost look back simplified portrayals of ani- long-term commitment to the tion. Some of the opponents at those times as the good old mal production which simply nation. In response to this have been active in trying to days when life was simpler, contradict each other on a concern, Thomas Jefferson reshape public perceptions of because now animal welfare wide range of issues. The claimed that democracy is animal production. Consider has become embedded in a result is a profound confu- feasible in America because the following quotations. much more complex critique sion, not just about whether many ordinary citizens which portrays animal pro- animal production needs to would own land and would In the United States, as else- duction as no longer reflect- be reformed and how, but therefore exercise their demo- where, factory farming has ing pastoralist animal care, about the simple facts of what cratic powers judiciously. become a major commercial farm families, and agrarian animal production entails. Thus, as Thompson notes, enterprise that is threatening the harmony with the land. And when there is such pro- American political thought family farm with extinction. Instead, the critics have creat- found confusion about the linked family farming with (Dolan, 1986). ed a whole new mythology of facts, there is very little hope the ideals of democracy and faceless corporate monsters of achieving consensus on citizenship. The problem is that the behe- displacing farm families, what actions or policy moths of modern agribusiness exploiting animals, polluting changes would be desirable. In the traditional image of seek profit without reference to the environment, poisoning

ANZCCART News March 2001 Vol 14 No 1 3 Perhaps even worse, there and resources continue to go mals and how to accommo- great apes. Cambridge have been cases where scien- into research with the more date those needs in novel University Press, Cam- tists, ethicists and other acad- conventional goals of ways. bridge. emics, instead of helping peo- improving productivity or ple to see past the over-sim- production efficiency. In con- Thompson, P.B. (1998). plifications of the advocates, trast, the fundamental issues Agricultural ethics - have themselves given sim- listed above remain so under- References research, teaching, and pub- plistic, rhetorical accounts of researched as to leave wide lic policy. Iowa State animal agriculture, seeming- latitude for advocates to Brambell, F. W. R. (1965). University Press, Ames, ly based on scholarly research make their outlandish and Report of the technical com- Iowa. or expert knowledge. In so contradictory claims. Thus, I mittee to enquire into the doing, scientists and ethicists want to propose as a chal- welfare of animals kept have perhaps lost some of lenge to scientists, research under intensive livestock Acknowledgement their ability to create knowl - managers and funding agen- husbandry systems. Her edge-based consensus-build- cies, that in addition to the Majesty’s Stationery I am grateful to Dr. Robert ing around the issues. practical, technical research, Office, London. Baker and ANZCCART for scientists also needs to apply the kind reception I received Reconciling animal agricul- their skills to the big ques- Coats, C.D. (1989). Old when giving this presentation ture with our animal mythol- tions that we must answer as MacDonald’s factory farm. to their conference in ogy a basis for building a benefi- Continuum Publishing, Adelaide, November 30- cial, ethical, and culturally New York. December 1, 2000. The pre- In this state of public confu- appropriate animal agricul- sentation is based on papers sion and conflict, are there ture. Dolan, E.F. Jr. (1986). Animal to be published in Journal of ways of reconciling our use of rights. Franklin Watts, Applied Animal Welfare Science farm animals with our animal Obviously the challenge New York. and Journal of Animal Science. mythology? that comes from our chang- ing animal mythology is too Dunlap, T.R. (1988). Saving In spite of all the confu- large for any country, any America’s wildlife: ecology sion, the issues that have commodity, or any scientific and the American mind, David Fraser been raised in the advocacy discipline to tackle by itself. 1850-1990. Princeton Animal Welfare Program battles over animal agricul- The issues will require inter- University Press, Prince- Faculty of Agricultural ture are nonetheless extreme- national and interdisciplinary ton. Sciences and Centre for ly important issues. Animal integration. Research will not Applied Ethics agriculture is one of the solve the problems; we also Fouts, R. (1997). . University of British world’s most diverse and need industry, government, William Morrow, New Columbia important activities. During and development agencies to York. Vancouver, Canada the past 50 years and continu- act on the results. However, ing today, animal agriculture shedding real light on the Fraser, L., Zawistowski, S., email: is undergoing revolutionary issues is an essential first step Horwitz, J. and Tukel, S. [email protected]. change, with profound and toward having the issues (1990). The ca diverse effects on people, ani- taken seriously rather than handbook. Living Planet mals, the planet, and future dismissed as an area of ill- Press, Los Angeles. generations. But these informed public agitation. changes are being driven Goodall, J. (1971). In the shad- Editor’s Note largely by economics and How does an organisa- ow of man. William technological innovation, tion like ANZCCART and its Collins. London. This paper will shortly be with very little informed dis- clients contribute to this published in the Proceedings cussion and explicit social process? Although a wide Harwood, D. (1928). Love for of ANZCCART’s 2000 consensus. range of issues need to be animals and how it devel- Conference - Farm animals in addressed, animal welfare oped in Great Britain. research - can we meet the To create that informed remains one of the key con- Privately published. New demands of ethics, welfare, sci- discussion and social consen- cerns. Scientists doing York. ence and industry? sus, we need answers to some research on commercial ani- very basic questions about mal production are often Penman, D. (1996). The price of Further details re the how animal agriculture quite limited in how much meat. Victor Gollancz, availability of these Proceed- affects: they can think and experi- London. ings will be provided in the ment beyond the boundaries next issue of ANZCCART • the welfare of animals of conventional production Preece, R. (1999). Animals and News. and their keepers; practices. In contrast, nature: cultural myths, cul- • sustainability; researchers working with tural realities. UBC Press, • world hunger and food farm animals in a laboratory Vancouver. security setting have a different mind- • human health; and set. Many of them are accus- Rifkin, J. (1992). Beyond beef: • global climate and envi- tomed to accepting a new the rise and fall of the cattle ronment. species as a new challenge, culture. Dutton, New trying to understand the ani- York. These are difficult ques- mals’ needs from first princi- tions that require careful mul- ples, and providing for their Robbins, J. (1987). Diet for a tidisciplinary research so that needs in innovative ways. new America. Walpole: we can identify better and Thus, scientists involved in Stillpoint Publishing. worse options. There is, of laboratory animal care but course, some research being working with farm animals Russon, A.E., Bard K.A., and done on some of these issues. are well positioned to devel- Taylor Parker, S., editors. But the great majority of our op a fresh understanding of (1996). Reaching into agricultural research talent the welfare needs of farm ani- thought: the minds of the

4 ANZCCART News March 2001 Vol 14 No 1 Experimental research with laboratory animals: one sex or both?

nspection of reports of same behaviour for males rats and hamsters are able to Hughes, R.N. (1989). Sex dif- experiments involving only (Hughes and Syme, familiarise themselves with a ferences in spontaneous Inon-human animals will 1972). Similarly, the later novel environment more alternation and open-field usually reveal the conspicu- suppression of rats’ rearing rapidly than males (Hughes, behavior of hamsters: ous absence of any recogni- behaviour by an earlier expe- 1989, 1990). With rats, this Habituation differences. tion of the subjects’ sex as a rience with the antimus- ability appears to be depen- Current Psychology: factor that might interact carinic drugs, scopolamine dent more on visual than on Research and Reviews, 8, with, or at least partially and methylscopolamine, only olfactory cues for females 144-150. determine, the outcome of an occurred for females (Hughes, 1999). Of related experimental manipulation. (Horsburgh and Hughes, relevance is evidence of sex Hughes, R.N. (1990). Sex- This usually appears as the 1981). More recently, I have differences in organisation of dependent habituation to involvement of one sex alone consistently observed differ- the rat’s visual cortex (Reid novelty in rats. Current or, less frequently, if both ences between male and and Juraska, 1995). Psychology: Research and have been included, as a lack female offspring in postnatal Reviews, 9, 277-284. of analysis that takes account outcomes of prenatal expo- There are more examples of the sex variable. In most sure to caffeine administered of sex differences in a variety Hughes, R.N. (1999). Sex dif- cases males are the favoured to, or ingested by, pregnant of behavioural and physio- ferences in novelty-relat- choice even though there are rats. These differences sug- logical processes in rats (and ed location preferences of obvious endocrinological dif- gest a greater susceptibility of other animals) than can be hooded rats. The Quarter- ferences between the sexes male foetuses to subsequent included in this brief com- ly Journal of Experimental that could influence treat- anxiogenic effects of the pre- mentary. Nevertheless, I Psychology, 52B, 235-252. ments, with biochemical or natal treatment (Hughes and hope that it will awaken physiological consequences. Beveridge, 1987, 1990, 1991; awareness of the need to con- Hughes, R.N. and Beveridge, Hughes and Loader, 1996). sider the sex of animal sub- I.J. (1987). Effects of pre- The exclusive use of jects as a possible influence natal exposure to chronic males has been based on My concern for the on the effect of an experimen- caffeine on locomotor and arguments ranging from the importance of the sex of ani- tal treatment. As well as emotional behavior. possibly greater (and incon- mal subjects in determining improving the scientific value Psychobiology, 15, 179-185. venient) variability between drug effects is by no means of any results, such aware- individual female subjects unique. There has been ness also has ethical implica- Hughes, R.N. and Beveridge, arising from their oestrous awareness of the need to take tions. If, for example, an I.J. (1990). Sex- and age- cycle and “everyone else in account of this variable for experimental design requires dependent effects of pre- the area uses males only”! To over forty years (e.g., Irwin et a minimum number of rats, natal exposure to caffeine use one sex alone in research al., 1958), and yet, in spite of the use of one sex only when on open-field behavior, and then assume that the a few exceptions (e.g., both would be appropriate emergence latency and results relate to both sexes Meehan and Schechter, 1998), might result in the breeding adrenal weights in rats. may not always be justified, studies of one sex alone still of double the number actual- Life Sciences, 47, 2075- particularly when a sex dif- continue to be the norm. ly needed. One might then 2088. ference in some critical fea- Many observations of sex dif- wonder about the fate of ture could determine the out- ferences in responsiveness to those members of the sex not Hughes, R.N. and Beveridge, come of an experimental drugs can be accounted for by used because, while a certain I. J. (1991). Behavioral treatment. The major aim is differences between males proportion could be used for effects of exposure to caf- to seek implications for sub- and females in the extent of other purposes, there is feine during gestation, sequent research with human their ability to absorb, store, always the temptation of lactation or both. beings; it makes little sense to metabolise and excrete them, euthanasia in the interests of Neurotoxicology and effectively restrict such impli- rather than to differences in cost. Provided a minimum Teratology, 13, 641-647. cations to one sex alone, mechanisms at the cellular or number of each sex is includ- unless the findings are only receptor level. However, in ed to enable detection of Hughes, R.N. and Loader, of relevance to that sex. terms of actual and practical meaningful sex-related influ- V.G. (1996). Effects on outcomes, this is surely no ences, then the total number elevated plus-maze be- Over many years, my reason for ignoring the reac- of rats bred could be consid- havior of exposure to caf- studies of the behaviour of tions of one sex (usually erably less, avoiding unnec- feine during both gesta- laboratory animals have fre- females) in favour of the essary loss of life. tion and lactation. quently indicated the impor- other. Psychobiology, 24, 314-319. tance of the sex of the subjects in determining the effects of If one is particularly inter- References Hughes, R.N. and Syme, L.A. psychotropic drugs and other ested in evaluating the behav- (1972). The role of social experimental manipulations. ioural effects of an experi- Horsburgh, R.J. and Hughes, isolation and sex in deter- For example, while the ben- mental treatment there are R.N. (1981). Modification mining effects of chlor- zodiazepine anxiolytic, chlor- sex differences in some mech- of novelty preferences in diazepoxide and methyl- diazepoxide reduced vertical anisms that are more central rats by current and prior phenidate on exploratory motor activity (or rearing) in to the core of behavioural treatment with scopo- behaviour. Psychopharma- female rats but not males, the functioning and warrant con- lamine and methylscopo- cologia, 27, 359-366. psychomotor stimulant meth- sideration. For example, I lamine. Psychopharmacol- ylphenidate increased the have observed that female ogy, 73, 388-390.

ANZCCART News March 2001 Vol 14 No 1 5 Irwin, S., Slabok, M. and Thomas, G. (1958). Review of issues relating to Individual differences: I. Correlations between con- trol locomotor activity animals in health research and sensitivity to stimu- lant and depressant Introduction less than one quarter of New ing or applying information drugs. Journal of Zealand’s total animal usage for the greatest benefit. The Pharmacology and Experi- nimal-based studies in 1999 (NAEAC 1999). HRC funds biostatistical and mental Therapeutics, 125, offer vital contribu- About sixty of the 350 advisory services to assist 206-211. Ations to health research programmes cur- with design and analysis of research in New Zealand, rently funded by the HRC, health research projects, and Meehan, S.M. and Schechter, whether in fundamental bio- predominantly biomedical it is an absolute requirement M.D. (1998). LSD pro- medical investigations; in research contracts, required that any results intended for duces conditioned place characterisation and diagno- institutional AEC approval direct application to human preference in male but not sis of disease by use of animal for use of animals. health, such as pre-clinical female fawn hooded rats. models; in the discovery, therapeutic trials, will be par- Pharmacology, Biochemistry development, or testing of In the drafting and imple- ticularly carefully monitored and Behavior, 105-108. therapeutic products; in toxi- mentation of the new Act, and assessed. Improvements cological or other safety eval- NAEAC and MAF consid- in animal welfare are Reid, S.N.M. and Juraska, uations; or in development of ered recommendations from achieved by applying the J.M. (1995). Sex differ- surgical procedures. The researchers, ethicists and Three Rs to research design, ences in the number of Health Research Council interest groups, and this namely refinement of tech- synaptic junctions in the (HRC), as the major agency process of public input and nique to reduce suffering, binocular area of the rat investing in fundamental, communication is reflected in reduction in the numbers of visual cortex. Journal of strategic and applied health the readable style of the Act. experimental animals used, Comparative Neurology, research for the New Zealand Institutional AECs provide and replacement of animals 352, 560-566. Government, funds a number regular forums for informed with non-sentient or molecu- of research groups that discussion and debate about lar models (s80 (2)(b) AWA involve use of animals. In emerging issues and tech- 1999). order to ensure the welfare nologies, from which new and humane treatment of research information and eth- First, refinements in scien- Rob Hughes these experimental animals, ical consensus can be relative- tific methodologies allow the Department of Psychology the HRC Ethics Committee ly rapidly considered and duration and invasiveness of University of Canterbury delegates authority to institu- communicated to other experimentation to be mini- Christchurch tional researchers by NAEAC. mized, for example by using New Zealand Committees (AECs) to review Many of the new provisions biophysical technologies to and approve each research emphasise effective adminis- observe processes occurring project according to an estab- tration, and although some in living animals. More inva- lished Code of Ethical researchers have criticised the sive tests are accompanied by Conduct. apparent red tape involved sensitive monitoring of pain with ethical compliance, the or distress indicators, togeth- The Animal Welfare Act Act is generally agreed to be er with effective anaesthesia, 1999 very workable. Its codes of analgesia and after-care. This system has been refined conduct are designed to pro- Progressive improvements in and formalised by Part 6 of mote self-regulatory behav- , such as the recent Animal Welfare iour, accountability and per- housing conditions and nutri- ANZCCART’s Act (AWA 1999). Each insti- sonal involvement in ethical tional requirements, are 2001 AGM tutional AEC must develop a decision-making, but the Act implemented wherever possi- Code of Ethical Conduct, also enables enforcement of ble to allow laboratory ani- under the guidance and minimum standards by mon- mals the “five basic free- This meeting will be held review of the National itoring and independent doms” of life. These have at 5 pm on Monday, 14 Animal Ethics Advisory review. The HRC also main- been summarised as freedom Committee (NAEAC), an tains the right to inspect the from thirst, hunger, malnutri- May 2001 in the You independent body estab- animal welfare standards of tion, pain, injury, disease, Yangs Meeting Room on lished to advise the Minister any HRC-funded projects. fear, distress and environ- level two of the Melbourne of Agriculture and Forestry mental discomfort, as well as Convention Centre, near (MAF) on matters affecting Scientific Best Practice and freedom to express normal the corner of Flinders animal welfare policy and Animal Welfare behaviour (Mellor and Reid, Street and Spencer Street, practice in New Zealand. The Application for ethical 1994). Melbourne. HRC Ethics Committee has approval poses the scientific fostered close professional challenge of maximising the Second, the replacement A notice of meeting will be links with NAEAC, which quality and importance of of animals with lower organ- sent to members in April includes one member nomi- research results, while min- isms, computer modelling and the agenda and a nated by the HRC, Dr imising possible harm to simulations or alternative copy of the 2000 Annual Bernhard Breier, and another, research subjects (s72 AWA experimental systems such as Report will be provided at Professor John Marbrook, 1999). The utilitarian com- cell, tissue and organ cultures the end of April. who sits on both committees. parison of costs and benefits may offer potential for exam- Approximately 90% of HRC embodied in the Codes of ining some mechanisms of grants are awarded to Ethical Conduct is an added disease or drug response. University-based research incentive to optimise strategic New developments in growth projects, which accounted for use of results by disseminat- of cultures, together with

6 ANZCCART News March 2001 Vol 14 No 1 advances in use of genetic Social attitudes to animal References and further modification and embryonic use in health research reading stem cell lines allow the Joint development of differentiat- One of the challenges for ed cultures that incorporate health researchers is to Animal Welfare Act (1999). ANZCCART/NAEAC specific characteristics or respond to contemporary Full text at enzymatic capacities. How- criticism of the scientific com- http:/www.knowledge- Conference ever, these methods will com- munity, and to demonstrate basket.co.nz/kete/data- plement rather than supplant the ethical integrity of their base.html animal models, which remain methods and aims. For exam- Health Research Council the most valuable sources of ple, the current debate sur- Annual Report (1999) 28 - 29 June, 2001 data about integrative physi- rounding the Royal Wellington, New Zealand ology at the level of the whole Commission on Genetic organism. In particular, rig- Modification illustrates pub- NAEAC Guidelines for orous pre-clinical trials of lic concern about animal wel- Institutional Animal Ethics Hamilton, therapeutic products or pro- fare in the context of genetic Committees (1988) Well- cedures using live animals technologies (Submissions ington, New Zealand. New Zealand will still be required before from S.A.F.E. and New NAEAC Model Code of Ethical approval for safe use in Zealand Transgenic Animal Conduct for Animal Ethics human health. Users, 2000). However, many Committees (1994) Well- Learning, animals observers feel that the AWA’s ington, New Zealand. Third, the numbers of ani- Codes of Ethical Conduct and the environment mals used in health research encourage public under- NAEAC The Use of Animals in in New Zealand seems to be standing and acceptance of Research, Testing and — changing the face reducing (NAEAC, 1999) animal use in research by Teaching – Users Guide to although clearly numbers of establishing a transparent Part 6 of the Animal Welfare of the future. experimental animals should philosophy and infrastruc- Act (1999) Policy informa- not be reduced below a credi- ture for the management and tion Paper No. 33. Text at ble minimum at which results care of laboratory animals. http:/www.maf.govt.nz and conclusions remain valid Animal Ethics Committees Mellor, D.J. and Reid, C.S.W. and statistically significant. have commented that scien- (1994) Concepts of animal The conference will explore tists also benefit from the wellbeing and predicting Trends in biotechnology the relationship between opportunity to analyse the the impact of procedures ethical justifications of their on experimental animals. humans, other animals and The growing use of biotech- work and to communicate In Improving the well-being nology in medical research their objectives in a way that of animals in the research the environment. may generate entirely new emphasises the balance environment. ANZCCART, issues for the animal welfare between the beneficial objec- Adelaide. infrastructure in New tives of the research and the Issues to be covered Zealand. Applications of unavoidable harm to animals. National Animal Ethics transgenic technologies There is also growing interna- Advisory Committee 1999 include the interdepen- include the production of tional support for the concept Annual Report. Ministry pharmaceuticals or supple- of a professional oath or code of Agriculture and dence and interconnected- mentary nutrients in geneti- of conduct for scientists Forestry, Wellington, ness of all life, the images cally modified animals, use of (UNESCO 1999). New Zealand. animals as models for funda- of science and scientists, mental study of human In conclusion, the HRC sup- Submissions to the Royal relevant legislation, dealing genetic diseases or for screen- ports the current policy and Commission on Genetic Modification, S.A.F.E. and ing of possible therapeutic practice of animal welfare in with new technology, fish products, xenotransplanta- New Zealand, particularly New Zealand Transgenic tion of donor organs between the trend towards integration Animal Users Full text at research and what could or species, and development of of scientific, social and ethical http:/www.gmcommis- should statistics or the pop- human cell-based gene thera- ideals, and will continue to sion.govt.nz py. Reproductive manipula- monitor the needs and con- UNESCO (1999) Declaration ular media tell us. tions such as cloning, in vitro cerns of researchers, institu - on Science and the Use of fertilisation, embryo trans- tions, ethical committees, Scientific Knowledge. Full plantation or splitting and interest groups and the gen- text at For registration or further long-term storage of embryos eral public. http:/www.unesco.org/s also challenge current ethical cience/wcs/eng/declara- information, contact: norms. Each provoke a range tion_e.htm of implications, although Mrs Gill Sutherland, some commentators argue Tara Satyanand email: that new technologies do not Health Research Council of alter the application of estab- New Zealand [email protected] lished principles of animal Auckland or visit the website at welfare, and that the current system of committee-based anzccart.rsnz.govt.nz/ consensus and self-regulated ethical conduct is sufficiently flexible to accommodate any new challenges.

ANZCCART News March 2001 Vol 14 No 1 7 Factors contributing to the acceptance of biotechnology *

he Australian and New concerns relating to animal since food allergens can be kind should participate, Zealand Council for the biotechnology cannot be con- transferred from one organ- value and nurture. Evidence TCare of Animals in sidered in isolation, and sug- ism to another, and since for this is seen in the increas- Research and Teaching gest that the following individual avoidance of foods ing popularity of alternative (ANZCCART) aims to pro- aspects are crucial to any con- known to be allergenic may medical therapies and organ- vide leadership in developing sideration of biotechnology. be the best and sometimes ic farming, for example. What community consensus on eth- only defence against an aller- cultural ideal do we want for ical, social, and scientific Animal welfare gic reaction, then food safety ourselves and how does issues relating to the use of would be best ensured by biotechnology fit with it? animals in research and While early attempts to mod- labelling the source of the teaching. While our emphasis ify animals did result in unac- food. Conclusion is clearly on the use of ani- ceptably poor welfare, as con- mals in science and educa- trol of gene function has Socio-economic issues The ANZCCART (NZ) Board tion, an emphasis shared with improved, so has the welfare acknowledges that a preoccu- parts of the biotechnology of the animals. Nevertheless, While technology makes pation with the risks of debate, biotechnological the welfare of the animals many things possible, it is the biotechnology might well developments and applica- should be paramount and tra- social, political, and cultural reduce the benefits. However, tions also raise animal wel- ditional and novel indicators context that determines what we equally acknowledge that fare and animal ethical issues. of well-being used to assess effects technology will have life rarely holds the absolute Furthermore, we note that no their welfare. This extends to on the world. Thus, issues guarantees that some may member of the Independent future generations as well as such as who benefits from maintain, demand or hope Biotechnology Advisory the individuals initially pro- biotechnology and who car- for. We should therefore Council has such a formal duced, owing to the dynamic ries the risk are critical. What expect some adverse effects interest in the question of ani- nature of the genome. Some enhanced opportunities for of biotechnology and plan to mal use in science, though have advocated the principle businesses and communities minimise any detrimental several have relevant of conservation of welfare – will there be, and which busi- health, ecological, economic research links. We therefore an animal should be no worse nesses and communities will and social consequences. feel that ANZCCART could off for having been for exam- suffer? If we genetically engi- Acceptance of biotechnology contribute to any considera- ple, genetically manipulated - neer bananas so they can will, furthermore, be based tion of biotechnology as it and this seems to be an grow in the South Island high on a diverse array of points, affects animals and offer our acceptable foundation. There country, have we a responsi- involving society at large, expertise accordingly. is the real possibility that bility to the people of and not just experts, since dif- these techniques could be Ecuador? As the agricultural ferent people will be affected The ANZCCART (NZ) used to eliminate harmful revolution brought changing in different ways. We also Board generally accepts that genetic traits and thus reduce social relationships (e.g., the strongly support judging the biotechnology provides a suffering. growth of a body of landless merits of biotechnology on an number of unique opportuni- farm workers), what relation- individual case-by-case basis. ties to protect and enhance Safety ships will prosper or dimin- the well-being of human, ani- ish with the biotechnological * A submission to the mal, plant and microbial com- Environmental, public, and revolution? How we handle Independent Biotechnology munities. However, it has consumer safety is essential. these may well shape the Advisory Council on behalf also the potential to be unac - Clearly, biotechnology con- future of society. of the ANZCCART (NZ) ceptable and even cause cerns and regulatory authori- Board harm. Additionally, because ties will have to consider both Implications for humanity of the novel nature of some of the direct effects of the The Independent Biotechnol- the techniques, and difficulty biotechnology and any result- A question which is perhaps ogy Advisory Council (IBAC) many people have in under- ing indirect effects (e.g., bST most important to opponents was established by the New standing them, there is signif- produced from genetically- of biotechnology asks what Zealand Minister of Research, icant social concern. Con- engineered bacteria causes sort of people do we want to Science and Technology in sequently, we advocate a elevated hormone levels in become? Arguments stating 1999 to meet the need for comprehensive approach in cows milk). Like any product that genetic engineering is advice and informed public addressing the issues. an assessment of safety will unnatural and against the debate about biotechnology. be required before general will of God, although inde- IBAC’s main role is to stimu- Many of the issues dis- release. Two additional fensible, (travelling in a jet is late dialogue and enhance cussed below are not restrict- points are worth noting here. unnatural, and to be human is public understanding in New ed to animals or even biotech- First, most traditional foods to participate responsibly in Zealand about biotechnology. nology, but also apply to, for and organisms have been the ongoing work of creation) example, traditional selective around for a very long time; may, in fact, express this sen- breeding, arguably providing we have had ample opportu- timent in a different lan- an opportunity to also ques- nity to incorporate their safe- guage. Attitudes in society Mark Fisher tion the morality of some of ty into our culture. Truly are changing from those of Board Member our current practices. novel foods and organisms Francis Bacon’s that nature is ANZCCART New Zealand Importantly, we believe that may require especially exten- something to be dominated, the social, ethical and welfare sive or novel testing. Second, to something in which human

8 ANZCCART News March 2001 Vol 14 No 1 moral aspects of human the title of the book and behaviour and the origin of argues that we must all act to Book reviews animal domestication by improve animal welfare. This man. While the predominant includes those with special factor was obviously human responsibility (farmers, scien- Laboratory Position Papers. He is a benefit, it also led to under- tists and politicians), those Moral Philosopher and ethi- standing of animal behav- with a special interest (certain cist. iour. As Appleby puts it: philosophers, animal welfare by Kevin Dolan Understanding the behaviour of activities) and the general The chapter on the re-use a wolf who might eat you or a public — groups may take Blackwell Science, Oxford of animals shows the contrast deer you might eat had been actions but so may people acting 232 pages, paperback between the English system important for millennia. on their own. Other ways of ISBN 0-632-05278-3 and the Australia code. Chapter One includes a dis- improving animal welfare £24.99 cussion of utilitarianism — discussed include joining an To the best of my knowl- the idea that we should act to animal welfare organisation edge there is no equivalent produce the greatest good (or and buying meat and other s the book’s preface publication in Australia, and utility) for the greatest num- animal products from pro- suggests, the author this throws up a challenge for ber of individuals. Appleby ducers with high welfare Adid not set out to someone working in or on the also discusses ethics and the standards, which Appleby write a legal text book but fringe of the discipline. It theory of animal rights, argues, does more to improve rather a working tool for would be a worthwhile post- including the views of the the welfare of farm animals those who undertake graduate project. In any event philosophers Singer, Regan, than does . research. It sets out what their the book is a useful text for Midgeley and Sandoe. legal obligations are. As a members of AECs, for The final chapter discuss- British text it will not be of Laboratory Technicians and Chapter Two asks what is es how society as a whole direct benefit to Australian for Experimenters alike. I animal welfare and considers treats its animals and how experimenters. It will, how- urge someone to undertake work by leading animal wel- this can be improved. This ever, form the basis of an the task of writing an fare scientists. It includes can be addressed via interna- understanding of why there Australian equivalent. farm animals and zoo ani- tional trade agreements, is legislation governing the mals and discusses current changes to legislation and the use of live animals in experi- concepts of what actually is effects of changing societal ments. Chapters 1 and 2 are a John Strachan animal welfare. opinions on the marketing useful short history of the President strategies of supermarkets English legislation. RSPCA (SA) The author moves on to and fast-food outlets. Adelaide discuss sentience and con- Whilst the English system sciousness and asks where do Appleby concludes by of training varies from that in we draw the line in the ani- recommending that animal Australia, Chapter 8 is also mal kingdom? Should we welfare ethical advisory com- useful in that it shows the have the same welfare con- mittees be established by all degree of detailed knowledge What should we do cerns for invertebrates and national governments. Such required, namely the recogni- about animal chickens as for humans and committees should have pub- tion of well-being, pain, suf- welfare? chimpanzees? Appleby’s text lic input and accountability. fering or distress, humane is clear and easy to read and methods of killing, surgical by Mike Appleby well illustrated with figures The book is easy to read anaesthesia and analgesia and sketches. Subsequent and is presumably intended and the ethical aspects of the Blackwell Science, chapters deal with the diffi- for the general public, use of live animals. This train- Melbourne, 1999 cult issues of keeping animals although it is unclear to ing , inter alia, is required in $54.95 soft cover for killing, selection and mod- whom it is directed. While England unless an exemption ISBN 0-632-05066-7 ification of animals, animal Appleby’s writing is some- is obtained. housing and environments, times a little simplistic in and caring for animals, style, it covers the major soci- There are chapters which his 192-page book was whether they be from farm, etal issues clearly and con- are of universal use in that the result of a Hume laboratory or zoo. He makes cisely, although there is not a they are indicators of good TFellowship from the the point that welfare of ani- lot of discussion of the ethical animal handling. For instance Universities Federation for mals under human care must and welfare issues associated the chapter entitled “Legal Animal Welfare (UFAW) to be considered 24 hours a day with the use of animals for Aspects of the Transport of Dr Appleby, who is a Senior all and every year, not just at scientific purposes. Animals” is useful, but the Lecturer in Farm Animal the times when we are using differences in distances in the Welfare and Behaviour at the them or interacting with Nevertheless, the ques- two countries means there are University of Edinburgh. them. tion posted by Appleby in the limitations in its application. book’s title is addressed well The book comprises nine Chapter Eight deals with and the reader is given a clear In a more general sense stand-alone chapters, each the question of individual description of the complex the author, who incidentally with a set of conclusions and actions in improving animal issue that is animal welfare in is a Professor of Pastoral its own list of references. The welfare. Some are major and Western society. Theology and has academic first chapter begins with the others are of minor conse- qualifications in both Theo- story of Noah’s Ark from the quence, yet all count and are logy and Law, touches on the Bible’s book of Genesis, as an important, Appleby argues, Robert M. Baker Five Freedoms which are example of man caring for the both for their effects, direct ANZCCART now outlined in the RSPCA welfare of animals. Appleby and indirect and for our own Australia Policies and uses this to illustrate the integrity. He relates this to

ANZCCART News March 2001 Vol 14 No 1 9 improve the lot of sick people Editor’s note: (and animals) it may have to Letter accept the use of some pri- The US National Research mates. Ensuring uniform Council’s ILAR Journal has Response to: described by publication application of these standards recently published a review Research using non- analysis, if one excludes use and that international regula- of the role of non-human pri- human primates: for regulatory toxicology. tory requirements fulfil these mates in biomedical research. only Two Rs criteria perhaps should be the Figures for the UK on the next goals. The article Non human pri- use of primates, cats and mates: A critical role in current rinkman, in her article dogs in the years 1980, 1990 disease research, by L. Sibal Research using non- and 1999 are shown in the and K. Samson (2001), (ILAR Bhuman primates in the table below. Journal 42(2): 74-84), focuses December 2000 issue of Dr Kathryn Ryder on the contributions that ANZCCART News, states These figures show that Animals (Scientific Pro- studies on non-human pri- that Figures for [the number of within the UK there has been cedures) Inspector mates have made to the NHPs used in research in] coun- a reduction in use of all three Home Office understanding, treatment tries other than the US are diffi- species since 1990. This is London and prevention of important cult to obtain. The UK has contrary to the data present- human infectious diseases published figures on the use ed for the US and the EU in (e.g., acquired immunodefi- of animals for scientific pro- the article. It must be consid- ciency syndrome, hepatitis, cedures for many years, and ered however, that there are malaria) and chronic degen- now requires that informa- times when the use of a erative diseases of the ner- tion be submitted by those greater number of animals in vous system (e.g., Parkinson’s who hold project licences a mild procedure may be and Alzheimer’s diseases). under the Animals (Scientific preferable to the application Procedures) Act 1986. of a more invasive procedure to fewer. The application of 1980 1990 1999 this “R” (reduction) is not The use of publications as Non-Human Primates 5 195 5 284 4 003 an indicator of use is flawed always a straightforward Dogs 11 482 11 000 8 175 in that it fails to account for assessment of numbers. Cats 6 827 4 392 1 623 animals used for regulatory All proposed scientific proce- purposes, e.g., safety testing dures on animals in the UK, of new drugs. In 1999, 68% of including in primates, are primates used in the UK assessed prospectively by Newly Published under the Animals (Scientific medical or veterinary quali- Procedures) Act 1986 were fied inspectors from the used for regulatory purposes, Animal (Scientific Pro- Animals in research, topic, and access to a bal- required by the EU or a com- cedures) Inspectorate to for and against anced range of information is bination of EU, UK and other ensure that the minimum vital if there is to be construc- countries regulators. Brink- numbers of the least neu- by Lesley Grayson tive debate about issues on man acknowledges this omis- rosentient species are to be which people hold very dif- sion but not its extent. used. The inspectorate must Published by The British ferent views. The British be convinced that there is no Library, April 2000 Library is ideally placed to Statistics published annu- non-animal alternative to use Price £35.00 provide such a service. ally in the UK allow a much (replacement). We must also Paperback, approx 300 pages Drawing on its vast collec- more detailed analysis of use be assured that the proce- ISBN 0-7123-0858-X tions in science, history, phi- of animals for scientific pro- dures cannot be performed losophy, ethics and the social cedure, without assumption completely under anaesthe- sciences, this book reviews and with well defined inclu- sia or on ex-vivo tissue ollowing a debate in the spectrum of scientific, sion and exclusion criteria. (refinement). Re-finement 1998 at the British pressure group and public Behav-ioural studies are also occurs to ensure mini- FAssociation Annual opinion on the use of animals excluded from the figures mum suffering during the Festival of Science in Leeds, in research; traces the devel- when they do not cause pain, procedure, not only as part of the Boyd Group asked the opment and continuing evo- suffering, distress or lasting the procedure itself but also British Library to produce an lution of UK and EU legisla- harm. Such studies are not in the husbandry of the ani- independent review of the tion and regulation; reviews regulated under the Act. In mal before, during and after issues relating to animal use laboratory animal welfare 1999, the primary purpose of the procedure. The inspectors in research to help underpin issues and the development use of 86% of primates used carry out continuing assess- constructive debate. The of alternatives to animal use; under the Act was applied ment of the balance between Boyd Group is a committee of and looks at the issues raised human medicine or dentistry. severity of the procedure to researchers, regulators, anti- by new technological devel- When analysed by body sys- the animal and the benefits vivisectionists, animal wel- opments such as genetic tem, 17% were used in ner- likely to be gained. We advise farists, ethicists, philosophers modification. A directory vous system research and 1% on and encourage the uptake and others who are dedicated section gives access to key UK on research into the senses, of best practice in both proce- to constructive debate on the organisations and Internet which broadly agree with the dures and husbandry. We complex and controversial sites which are particularly figures presented by believe that in the UK ALL of issues surrounding the use of useful as sources of further Brinkman (24% and 3% the Three Rs are being animals in research. information. It is intended respectively from figure 1). applied rigorously. While for a general readership and Thus the pattern of usage in society wants the develop- Animal experimentation for scientists wanting an the UK is similar to that ment of safe medicines to is a perennially controversial overview of animal research issues.

10 ANZCCART News March 2001 Vol 14 No 1 protection. The conference is book and a number of papers. ANZSLAS 2001 Coming up Conference intended for scientists, researchers, ethicists, lawyers They will be speaking in and legislators, the animal Auckland on 17 to 20 May at Pan-Pacific Veterinary protection community and UNITEC and at the RNZSP- Conference his will be held at the interested public. Through CA conference. On 21 May Carlton Crest Hotel, the use of facilitated group they will speak at a seminar Melbourne TSydney from 18 to 20 discussions, didactic lectures, in Wellington on Legal and 13-18 May, 2001 September, 2001. The con- and social functions, this con- ethical aspects of work with ference will have two major ference will enable you to wildlife. They will then speak Contact: AVACOS themes: interact on a personal basis at Massey University on 25 Tel: 02-6273-8855 with leaders in these fields. and 26 May on wildlife reha- Tax: 02-6273-8899 1. Promoting researcher bilitation and on forensic email: [email protected] training as a critical pre- The conference is co- work with wildlife. requisite to excellence in sponsored by the Kennedy animal research. Institute of Georgetown The Coopers will then Australasian Vertebrate University and the Centre for visit Australia as guests of Pest Conference 2. The design and equipping Animals and Public Policy at ANZCCART, to speak at of animal facilities to meet Tufts University. It will be meetings in Sydney and 21-25 May, Melbourne international standards. held in Boston from 28 April Melbourne on the topic Legal to 1 May, 2001. and ethical aspects of work with Contact: Convention It will be preceded by a wildlife. Associates one-day workshop on 17 For additional information Tel: 03 - 9887 - 8003 Fax: 03 - 9887 - 8773 September on the topic Basic contact: The dates and venues are: genetics - how it applies to email: genetically manipulated animals convention@optushome. Susan Brogan Sydney — Taronga Zoo, com.au and problems that arise. Conference Coordinator Mosman, Tuesday 29 May Tufts University School of For further information Veterinary Medicine This seminar is hosted by the International Symposium contact Dr Malcolm France: Australian Association for on Regulatory Testing Phone: 1-508-887-4723 Veterinary Conservation and Animal Welfare Tel: 02-9357-3603 Fax: 1-508-887-4539 Biologists and will be chaired Fax: 02-9351-4950 Email: by Associate Professor Tony ICLAS - CCAC email: [email protected] English of the University of [email protected] Quebec City, Canada Sydney. 21-23 June, 2001 www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/ethi cs conf.html Melbourne — Victorian Contact: Micheline Harvey Institute of Animal Science Fax: 1-418-654-2761 (VIAS), Attwood, Thursday, email: Great apes at the 31 May [email protected] threshold: l.ca Seminars on This seminar will be chaired Implications for law, by Professor Paul Hems- ethics, conservation Wildlife, Ethics and ANZCCART 2001 worth, Director of the Animal Conference and science Welfare in New Welfare Centre of VIAS. Zealand and Hamilton, New Zealand Australia For further information con- 28-29 June, 2001 he goal of this confer- tact: ence to be held in Learning, animals and the environment: changing the Boston, USA is to eval- New Zealand — Neil Wells T NZCCART is pleased email: face of the future uate the tension created by to be sponsoring sem- [email protected] the changing ethical and legal inars in Sydney and Contact: Mrs Gill status of the great apes, par- A Melbourne by Professor John Sutherland ticularly in the international Sydney — Tony English Fax: 64-4-470-5784 Cooper and Mrs Margaret email: area, and the continued Cooper on 29 and 31 May, fol- email: demand for their use to serve [email protected]. [email protected] lowing their visit to New au human ends. To achieve this Zealand, where they will be purpose, attendees will speaking in Auckland, review recent information Melbourne — Paul Hems- Wildlife Health and Palmerston North and Management in Australia about the evolution, natural worth Wellington. email: history, culture and cognitive International Joint abilities of apes; the nature of [email protected] Professor Cooper is a vet- .au Conference the arguments concerning the erinarian with extensive 2-6 July, 2001, Sydney basis of moral and legal experience in wildlife disease standing; the justifications for and comparative medicine. Contact: Dr Larry Vogelnest continued use; and the status Mrs Margaret Cooper is a Fax: 02 - 9978 - 4516 of the national and interna- lawyer with particular inter- tional initiatives for conserva- email: est in animal welfare law, on [email protected] tion and other forms of basic which she has published a

ANZCCART News December 1999 Vol 12 No 4 11 News New animal research ANZCCART’s website also Regulatory authorities now has appointed Dr Coenraad ethics website online offers information on alterna- have a year to get rid of the Hendriksen as its first tives databases. LD50 test. Professor of Alternatives.

he University of 3. Choosing an appropriate Source: New Scientist, 9 De- His research interests Melbourne has launch- endpoint : cember, 2000. p.6 focus on the development Ted this addition to its and validation of methods to website. It includes informa- The Canadian Council on replace, reduce and/or refine tion relating to functioning of Animal Care (CCAC) now the use of laboratory animals, animal ethics committees, includes in its general guide- especially in the production e.g., lines Choosing an appropriate Future ANZCCART and quality control of endpoint in experiments using publications immunobiologicals. * approval and reporting; animals for research, teaching meeting schedules; and and testing at: www.ccac.ca * policies and relevant wo publications are in Codes of Practice and leg- the final stages of review before publica- islation. T Animal use in tion. They are: science in Canada It will be further developed Abolition of * to cover: The second edition of LD50 test Euthanasia of animals used etailed statistics for for scientific purposes, edit- animal use for scien- * occupational health and tific purposes in safety support; he OECD announced in ed by Dr Julie Reilly; and D * audit and inspection; December 2000 that its Canada for 1996, 1997 and * * workshops and training T29 member countries The Proceedings of 1998 are now available on the ANZCCART’s 2000 website of the Canadian programs; and had agreed to abolish the use Conference: Farm animals Council on Animal Care — * news. of the LD50 test. The LD50 is the lethal dose of a substance in research - can we meet the www.ccac.ca demands of ethics, welfare, The address is: which will kill 50% of ani- mals. In the test, groups of science and industry? The total number of ani- mals used for scientific pur- www.unimelb.edu.au/resear animals, usually rats, are poses in Canada in 1998 was ch/ethics/animal/animal- given increasing doses of the home.htm substance being tested until 1,766,000, an increase of half die. Organisations wish- 295,000 from 1997. For further information or to ing to conduct the LD50 now New Chair in See Resource (CCAC News- provide suggestions, contact have the choice of three alter- Alternatives letter), Fall 2000, 24(1): 11-12. Mr Tim Anning at: native tests. [email protected] The first alternative, he Netherlands Centre developed in Britain, requires for Alternatives to only four animals. They sel- TAnimal Use, part of the dom die. Instead, toxicolo- Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Utrecht, Interesting websites gists note signs that hint at the lethal dose. ANZCCART News is published quarterly by the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals In the second, German in Research and Teaching Limited. 1. Sources of information test, a single animal receives It is a publication for researchers and teachers; members of animal about alternatives.: escalating doses, often but not ethics committees; staff of organisations concerned with research, teaching and funding; and parliamentarians and members of the always until it dies. Again, public with interests in the conduct of animal-based research and University of California web- there is a cut-off point where teaching and the welfare of animals so used. site: no more chemical is given Contributions to ANZCCART News are welcomed and should http://research.ucsb.edu/co even if the animal remains be sent to: nnect/acc/alternvs.html alive. The final dose, whether Dr R.M. Baker, Director, ANZCCART, lethal or not, is confirmed in Room 128, Darling Building 2. ECVAM workshop reports Department of Environmental Biology two other animals. Adelaide University ADELAIDE, SA, 5005 The European Centre for the The third, American alter- Validation of Alternative Tel. 61-8- 8303 7586: Fax. 61-8- 8303 7587 native is dubbed the “up and E-mail address: [email protected] Methods (ECVAM) has pub- down method”. Experiment- http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ANZCCART/ lished over 40 workshop ers raise or lower the initial or reports covering a wide range dose, depending on what of topics. These are now happens in the first animal Mrs G. Sutherland, ANZCCART New Zealand accessible on-line at: PO Box 598, Wellington, New Zealand Although half die, only Tel. 64-4-472 7421: Fax. 64-4-473 1841 around nine animals are E-mail address: [email protected] http://altweb.jhsph.edu/sci- used. ence/pubs/ECVAM/ecvam. http://anzccart.rsnz.govt.nz htm ISSN 1039–9089

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