ARSL 2nd edition: Page 15

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document is reproduced for reference purposes only, it contains false and unsubstantiated claims designed to mislead the public. It MUST be viewed in conjunction with its rebuttal (which can be viewed by selecting this link).

Animal Ethics Committee. These committees look at all research proposals and decide whether the work proposed is ethically acceptable and likely to be useful.

The committees include scientists, "outside" nominees of animal welfare organisations, the veterinary profession and the public.

Animal Ethics Committees have the power to accept proposals, to turn them down completely or to request changes to make the proposal acceptable. Each research proposal is approved for a limited time, with a maximum of three years.
Committees have the power to inspect work on an approved project at any time. If the animals are not being cared for properly, they can order the research to stop. The committees also examine non-animal alternatives, and ensure there is no unnecessary repetition of previous research.
In both Australia and New Zealand the codes of conduct have the force of law, though the precise details vary.
Even schoolchildren using animals in science fair exhibits must have ethics committee approval first.

Can we avoid unnecessary duplication of research?

The limited amount of money available for research these days makes scientists very careful not to conduct wasteful or unnecessary research. Also, for many years funding bodies have awarded research grants only where ethical requirements are met.

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