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About us

About Us

ANZCCART (Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching) is two independent organisations in each of Australia and New Zealand committed to providing leadership in addressing ethical, social, cultural and scientific issues relating to the use and welfare of animals in research and teaching. We have a shared Vision, Mission and Role in society.

 

ANZCCART’s VISION

To be the leading source of information and advice concerning the ethical, social, cultural and scientific use of animals in research and teaching.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

ANZCCART’s corporate mission and objectives are to promote:

  • Informed open discussion and debate within the community when considering ethical, social, cultural and scientific issues relating to the use of animals in research and teaching, by providing a neutral forum.

  • Excellence in the use and welfare of animals supplied for or used in research and teaching.

  • Responsible scientific use of animals.

  • The 3Rs principle of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement as they apply to the use of animals for scientific purposes.

  • Strategic partnerships to contribute to the education and training of scientists, students, animal care staff, members of Animal Ethics Committees, and the broader community.

 

ANZCCART’s ROLE

ANZCCART seeks to achieve these objectives, first by providing an ongoing focus to the social, ethical, cultural and scientific issues involved, second by providing a forum for discussion of these issues and third by facilitating access to relevant specialist advice and resources. Further, through its publications and activities ANZCCART is a source of information for the general public about how animals are used in research and teaching in Australia and New Zealand.

 

ANZCCART New Zealand

 

Established as a standing committee of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, the Board of ANZCCART New Zealand comprises representatives from the research, animal welfare, animal ethics and education communities.

 

ANZCCART New Zealand is an advisory organisation that provides guidance and information to a wide range of stakeholders, including Animal Ethics Committees (AEC), scientists, teachers, regulatory authorities, granting agencies, government, animal welfare organisations, the media, and the general public. ANZCCART New Zealand promotes and supports the commitment to the principles embodied in the New Zealand legislation regulating the use of animals in research, testing and teaching in New Zealand (Animal Welfare Act 1999, Part 6).

 

AIMS

Our primary aims are to:

  1. Promote open discussions around the social license for, ethical and cultural considerations related to, and scientific validity of the use of animals in research and teaching. A pillar of this is the ANZCCART Openness Agreement on Animal Use in Research and Teaching.

  2. Encourage the highest standards of care, consideration and responsible use of animals for research and teaching purposes. .

  3. Act as a focal point for information and advice concerning the ethical and scientific use of animals in research and teaching.

  4. Advocate for the "Three Rs" – replacement, reduction and refinement of animals in research and teaching – as a guiding principle.

  5. Identify, enable, and enhance strategic partnerships that develop capacity by contributing to and supporting the education and training of scientists, students, and the broader community.

  6. Support the development and inclusion of mātauranga Māori in relation to the care and use of animals in research and teaching, and alignment of policy and practice with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

 

VALUES

In pursuing our aims, we are guided by the following values:

  1. Rigour: We apply rigorous standards to our discussions and recommendations, ensuring that they are based on the best available evidence and informed by the perspectives of all relevant stakeholders.

  2. Openness: We are committed to transparency and openness in our processes, fostering an environment where challenging and informed debate can take place.

  3. Responsiveness: We aim to respond effectively to emerging ethical, social, cultural, scientific issues and developments relating to the use and welfare of animals in research and teaching.

  4. Inclusiveness: We actively engage with diverse stakeholders, including the research, animal welfare, and education communities, to ensure that our work is comprehensive and well-rounded.

  5. Collaboration: We work collaboratively with various organisations, institutions, and individuals to achieve our objectives and contribute to a more responsible and compassionate future for both animals and humans.

  6. Partnership: We support and affirm the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including the bicultural partnership it establishes between tangata Tiriti and tangata whenua, in all our aims and work.

 

History of ANZCCART

 

ANZCCART, the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching, was established on the 1st of January, 1993, as a result of a collaborative effort between the Australian Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ACCART, established in May 1987) and various New Zealand authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (now known as the Ministry for Primary Industries) and the Royal Society of New Zealand (now Royal Society Te Apārangi). In New Zealand, this followed decades of efforts by the Society to promote and progress the humane use of animals in science. The Australia-New Zealand collaboration aimed to address the growing need for ethical and scientific guidance in the use of animals for research and teaching purposes in both countries.

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