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Members and Funders Along with Unitec - Dept Natural Sciences. If you would like to become a member of ANZCCART New Zealand, please contact: anzccart@royalsociety.org.nz

Alternatives to using animals in research, testing or teaching This section contains a selection of resources highlighting the alternatives to using animals in research, testing and teaching. It is not yet possible to replace all animal use in research, testing and teaching. The biology of live animals is often too complex to be replicated entirely by alternative methods in research experiments. Non-animal teaching methods (e.g. mannequins or video recordings) can reduce the use of live-animals in teaching but it would not be appropriate for students to graduate with no live-animal experience before moving into careers working with animals. However, alternative or replacement methods complement live-animal use and collectively can reduce live-animal use overall, and the wording "alternative" and "replacement" are used interchangeably. For more information see "Replacement and NAMs – it’s all in the NAMe ". Replacement: Accelerating the development and use of predictive and robust models and tools, based on the latest science and technologies, to replace the use of animals in addressing important research questions where they would have otherwise been used. ANZCCART Resources The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) and the Ministry for Primary Industries have produced a series of booklets on the application of the three Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) in the use of animals in research and teaching. The following focus on replacement and reduction. Organ-on-a-chip and Organoids ( replacement) (2026) Cell-based Disease Models (replacement) (2019) Computer Assisted Learning (replacement) (2021) Mannequins and Dummies (replacement) (2021) Alternatives to shellfish toxicity testing (replacement) (2018)

Media Information This page provides information on recent press releases, an image database, and web resources related to the use of animals in research, testing or teaching. Press releases 10 March 2026: Transparency, public access, and Māori partnership surge across animal research in Aotearoa— ANZCCART report 21 January 2026: ANZCCART NZ responds to Ministry for Primary Industries’ release of 2024 statistics on the use of animals in research, testing and teaching 20 March 2025: ANZCCART NZ releases third annual report on Openness Agreement for animal research and teaching 20 March 2025: ANZCCART NZ responds to New Zealand's animal research statistics for 2023 10th September 2024: New animal ethics resources include Māori knowledge 17 May 2024: A good step-up in Three Rs reporting and other positive trends: 2022 New Zealand Animal Research, Testing and Teaching Statistics 8 March 2024: ANZCCART New Zealand releases second annual report on Openness Agreement for animal research and teaching 13 November 2023: New Study Reveals New Zealanders' Views on Animal Use in Scientific Research and Teaching 21 August 2023: A step forward in openness in animal research and teaching but more progress needed in Three Rs reporting: New Zealand's Animal Research Statistics of 2021 30 March 2023: ANZCCART releases first report on Openness Agreement in Animal Research and Teaching 30 May 2022: Openness on use of animals in research testing and teaching statistics 27 July 2021: Science organisations pledge openness in animal research and teaching in New Zealand 1 September 2017: New resources highlight innovative ways to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research Submissions 21 May 2024: Submission to the Science System Advisory Group - First Phase Media coverage 04 February 2026: Decline in high impact on animals from research 'encouraging ' 24 September 2024: Maori knowledge of animals 21 March 2024: Global initiative to make animal research more transparent turns 10 – has it worked? 13 November 2023: Attitudes towards animal testing and research in Aotearoa – Expert Reaction Image database for the use of animals in research, testing or teaching An image database featuring copyright free images of animals suitable for use in stories on animal use in testing, teaching and research is available through the Understanding Animal Use website (UK based). This website also contains a number of resources on the use of animals in research.

General resources Resource links about ANZCCART and animal welfare in New Zealand The following resources about ANZCCART and animal welfare in New Zealand are available: Animal Research Saves Lives (ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 1.8 MB, 14 pages) Animal welfare in NZ (Ministry of Primary Industries) Animals in research, testing, and teaching | NZ Government ANZCCART Annual Report (PDF, 1.5 MB, 46 pages) ANZCCART Newsletters A Culture of Care - A Guide for People Working with Animals in RTT (PDF) SPCA New Zealand The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) website The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) website What is ANZCCART (2017)(ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 428 kb, 1 page) Resources for media Understanding Animal Research (UK website) Animal Welfare Act 1999 (Parliamentary Council Office website) Guide to the Animal Welfare Act (Ministry for Primary Industries website) The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) website The National Animal Welfare Committee (NAWAC) website SPCA New Zealand Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (resource database hosted by Johns Hopkins University) European Animal Research Association Resource links about the use of animals in research, testing or teaching in New Zealand What is ANZCCART? (2017 ANZCCART resource, PDF) National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) website National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) website Animal welfare in NZ (Ministry for Primary Industries) Guide to the Animal Welfare (Ministry for Primary Industries) Animal Research Saves Lives (ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 1.8 MB, 14 pages) Three Rs Poster (ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 6.7 MB, 1 page) ANZCCART Newsletters Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (resource database hosted by Johns Hopkins University) SPCA New Zealand Culture of Care (A NAEAC guide for people working with animals in research, testing and teaching) (PDF, 428 kb, 6 pages) Ethical guidelines for school students (2008 ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 108 kb, 1 page) Ethical guide for students in laboratory classes involving the use of animals and animal tissues (2007 ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 1 page) Resources about the Three Rs Download 3Rs Poster (ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 6.7 MB, 1 page) Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing Norecopa resources about the 3Rs Statistical design for animal welfare. We strongly recommend the resources on designing animal experiments provided by Michael Festing . ANZCCART NZ 3Rs publications The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) have produced a series of booklets on the application of the three Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) in the use of animals in research and teaching. Organ-on-a-chip and Organoids (2026) Cell-based Disease Models (replacement) (2019) Computer Assisted Learning (replacement) (2021) Mannequins and Dummies (replacement) (2021) Alternatives to shellfish toxicity testing (replacement) (2018) Fireflies to the rescue (reduction) (2019) Mathematical models (reduction) (2022) Tissue sharing (reduction) (2024) Simple ingenuity (refinement) (2019) Non-Invasive Methods (refinement) (2018) Living syringes (refinement) (2018) Oil emulsified gels (refinement) (2022) Resource links on alternatives to using animals in research, testing or teaching 9th World congress on alternatives and animal use in the life sciences (conference website) Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (resource database hosted by Johns Hopkins University) Altex, alternatives to animal experimentation (journal website) EU reference laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) European society for alternates to animal testing ICCVAM (US committee advancing alternatives to animal testing) Korean centre for the validation of alternatives to animal testing (KoCVAM) Physicians committee for responsible medicine, alternatives to animal testing Incorporating new approach methodologies in the development of new medicines (NC3Rs) Non animal models - CSIRO a report assessing the potential of non animal models in Australia

ANZCCART is the Australian & New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching located in both New Zealand and Australia. Promoting the responsible use of animals in research and teaching, and informed discussion and debate within the community regarding these matters. Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in New Zealand 2025 Annual Report The fourth report on progress since the Agreement’s launch in 2021 Learn More Caring for the Animals We Use in Research and Teaching ANZCCART is the Australian & New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching. We are located in both New Zealand and Australia as two independent organisations working collaboratively with a shared vision, mission and role in society . Our websites contain information for animal carers, animal ethics committee members, scientists, schools as well as other interested parties. Through these websites, we hope to further the primary goals of ANZCCART which include promoting the responsible use of animals in research and teaching, and informed discussion and debate within the community regarding these matters. When viewing our websites please be mindful that legislation and some animal welfare information will differ between our countries. Learn More Featured Initiatives To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

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 ). You can read our terms of reference here , and our latest annual report here. AIMS Our primary aims are to: 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. Encourage the highest standards of care, consideration and responsible use of animals for research and teaching purposes. . Act as a focal point for information and advice concerning the ethical and scientific use of animals in research and teaching. Advocate for the "Three Rs" – replacement, reduction and refinement of animals in research and teaching – as a guiding principle. 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. 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: 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. Openness: We are committed to transparency and openness in our processes, fostering an environment where challenging and informed debate can take place. 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. 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. 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. 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 . For a comprehensive understanding of ANZCCART's history, we recommend reading 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) This article offers valuable insights into the development of ANZCCART and the progress made over the years in improving the ethical and scientific use of animals in research, testing, and teaching in both Australia and New Zealand. Find out more Stay up-to-date with ANZCCART activities in New Zealand and Australia by signing up for the ANZCCART Newsletters here . The latest editions can be seen here .

ANZCCART Resources ComPass Animal Welfare Training This free online course covers the Australian Code and NZ Guide and welfare issues relating to animal use in research and teaching. Successful completion of Phase one of the course and its quiz fulfills the mandated basic training needs of researchers and teachers using animals as well as members of Animal Ethics Committees (AEC) in Australia and NZ (except AEC members in Victoria who are required to complete the Animal Welfare Victoria training). The aim is to standardize and augment the training offered for animal users in research and teaching throughout Australasia by offering this free online interactive and resource-rich course to all who need this training . For the course link and more information . ANZCCART (NZ) resources and best practice Three Rs Resources The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Rese arch and Te aching (ANZCCART) and the Ministry for Primary Industries have produced a series of booklet s on the a pplication of the three Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) in the use of animals in research and teaching. Organ-on-a-chip and Organoids (replacement) (2026) Cell-based Disease Models (replacement) (2019) Computer Assisted Learning (replacement) (2021) Mannequins and Dummies (replacement) (2021) Alternatives to shellfish toxicity testing (replacement) (2018) Fireflies to the rescue (reduction) (2019) Mathematical models (reduction) (2022) Tissue sharing (reduction) (2024) Simple ingenuity (refinement) (2019) Non-Invasive Methods (refinement) (2018) Living syringes (refinement) (2018) Oil emulsified gels (refinement) (2022) Other resources Animal research saves lives (2017 ANZCCART publication) What is ANZCCART? (2017 ANZCCART flyer) Download Three Rs poster (ANZCCART resource) (PDF, 6.7 MB, 1 page) ANZCCART (Australia) resources and best practice Publications and information available on the ANZCCART (AU) website on the use of animals in research, testing or teaching: ANZCCART Annual Reports ANZCCART (AU) Awards ANZCCART (AU) Publications ANZCCART (AU) Fact Sheets about animals and technical information ANZCCART (AU) Helpful links on alternatives to the use of animals in research, animal ethics and welfare, environmental enrichment, recognition and alleviation of pain, and statistics ANZCCART (AU) Resources for animal care and housing, school children, school teachers, researchers and university students Newsletters ANZCCART News (Australian website). Y ou can sign up for the ANZCCART Newsletter here .

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