Animals in research, testing and teaching

What is RTT and why do we use animals?

In New Zealand, animals are used in a variety of ways. Some animals are used to answer research questions, test certain products or in teaching programmes. This type of animal use (research, testing and teaching or RTT) is tightly controlled in New Zealand under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (the Act). RTT has a dedicated part in the Act because it is fundamentally different from other types of animal use. Due to the nature of RTT activities, general obligations under the legislation cannot always be met. Part 6 provides a framework for the ethical treatment of animals used in RTT activities where some pain and distress may result in significant benefits to people, other animals or the environment. However, such use carries significant responsibilities and strict legislative obligations.

How does RTT work in New Zealand?

Animal use for RTT can only be undertaken by those who have a code of ethical conduct (CEC) or an arrangement to use another organisation’s CEC. CECs are approved by MPI and outline the policies/procedures that the organisation uses to undertake RTT. This includes the operation of an animal ethics committee (AEC) (figure below).

AECs review and provide legal approval for RTT applications. They must be satisfied that the benefits of using animals are not outweighed by any likely harm.

Openness in RTT

Transparency is crucial for animal use in RTT and maintaining a social license to operate. NAEAC is fully supportive of the Australian & New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) Openness Agreement, and initiatives to support it.

Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in New Zealand

In 2021, New Zealand launched the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in New Zealand. The agreement provides an opportunity for organisations to share about RTT work occurring across the country. Organisations can sign up as signatories to show support of openness and transparency around RTT in New Zealand. Each signatory agrees to adhere to the five commitments set out in the agreement.

1. We will be clear about why and how we use animals in research and teaching.
2. We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our use of animals in research and teaching.
3. We will enhance our communications with tangata whenua about our use of animals in research and teaching.
4. We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research and teaching using animals.
5. We will report on progress annually and share our experiences.

There is a growing number of countries worldwide that are developing openness agreements to share about the RTT work that they do.

Animal use statistics

Each year any individual or organisation who uses animals in RTT must provide specific information to MPI regarding their use according to the Animal Welfare (Records & Statistics) Regulations 1999. This information is organised into a summary report and manipulable datasets that are published on the MPI website. Read an example executive summary below.

In 2022, MPI included optional questions regarding the implementation of the 3 Rs alongside the mandatory animal use statistics questions.

Read more about the 3 Rs data