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About Us

ANZCCART is an independent body which was established to provide leadership in considering ethical, social and scientific issues relating to the use and wellbeing of animals in research and teaching; and to provide a focus for information and advice concerning the ethical and scientific use of animals in research and teaching. In New Zealand, ANZCCART comprises representatives from the research, animal welfare and education communities, and is a standing committee of the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

“The Committee meets regularly during the year to advance our underlying purpose to promote discussion around the social, ethical and scientific use of animals in research and teaching. We believe we contribute to a social license for such use by promoting the highest standards of care and consideration. Central to our philosophy is the active deployment of the “Three R’s” – the refinement, reduction and replacement of animals in research and teaching. Such discussions can be challenging. We facilitate them because we believe in considered and informed debate.” Hon Pete Hodgson, Chair – ANZCCART (NZ) (2012-2020)

Our Mission


Our corporate mission is to promote:


  • Excellence in the care of animals supplied for or used in research, testing (within New Zealand), and teaching;

  • Responsible scientific use of animals;

  • The Three Rs: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement as they apply to the use of animals for scientific purposes;

  • Informed discussion and debate within the community regarding these matters;

  • Strategic partnerships to contribute to the education and training of scientists, students and the broader community.


Our People


ANZCCART operates on a purely advisory basis and provides guidance and information to all interested parties including Animal Ethics Committees (AEC), scientists, teachers, regulatory authorities, granting agencies, government, animal welfare organisations, the media and the general public.

The New Zealand Board includes:


  • Emeritus Professor Pat Cragg (Chair), retired, formerly University of Otago

  • Professor Ngaio Beausoleil, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University

  • Dr Sally Birdsall, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University of Auckland

  • Vanessa Borman, Animal Ethics Coordinator, AgResearch

  • Dr Arnja Dale, Chief Scientific Officer, Royal New Zealand SPCA

  • Associate Professor Justin Dean, Department of Physiology, University of Auckland

  • Dr Mike King, Senior Lecturer, Bioethics Centre, University of Otago

  • Dr Kate Littin, Manager – Animal Welfare Team, Ministry for Primary Industries

  • Ian Saldanha, Biosecurity Compliance Coordinator, Cawthron Institute

  • ANZCCART Fellow (observer) Dr Essie Van Zuylen, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Canterbury


ANZCCART supports openness in the use of animals in science. The members (funders) of ANZCCART (NZ) are AgResearch, Department of Conservation, Landcare Research, Ministry for Primary Industries, NIWA, New Zealand Veterinary Association, Royal Society Te Apārangi, SPCA New Zealand, Unitec|Te Pūkenga, and Universities New Zealand. Please contact ANZCCART (NZ) if you would like to become a member.


Background to ANZCCART (NZ)


ANZCCART is governed by separate Boards in New Zealand and Australia. ANZCCART (NZ) is a committee of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Its principal sponsors are Universities New Zealand and AgResearch Ltd but it also receives annual contributions and/ or other support from organisations including the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Royal New Zealand SPCA. ANZCCART (NZ) 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).


Further information is available on the animal welfare principles of the Three Rs and ANZCCART’s History.


History of ANZCCART


ANZCCART was established on 1 Janurary 1993 as a collaborative effort between the existing Australian Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ACCART, established in May 1987) and New Zealand authorities including the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (now the Ministry for Primary Industries), and the Royal Society of New Zealand .


ANZCCART within New Zealand is a committee of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. It maintains close links with its Australian counterpart which was rebranded under the ANZCCART name when ANZCCART was established in New Zealand.


For a full history of ANZCCART, please see the article “Reflections on the use of animals in research, testing and teaching in New Zealand – a historical perspective.” by Dr David Bayvel et al. (2011). (PDF, 653 kb, 4 pages)


 

Resource links about ANZCCART and animal welfare in New Zealand


The following resources about ANZCCART and animal welfare in New Zealand are available:

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