Positions - Research, Testing, and Teaching

SPCA permits the use of SPCA animals in research and teaching if the activity is part of routine animal care or procedure, or if the activity provides a net benefit to that animal and future SPCA animals.

​SPCA advocates for institutions to participate in multi-institutional commitments to promote transparency in use of animals in research, testing, and teaching.

SPCA supports science education for students in primary and secondary levels, including an appreciation of animals. Our organisation advocates animals should only be used in primary and secondary science education when the animal’s physical, health, and behavioural needs are met before, during, and after a research or technology study.

​SPCA advocates for continuous improvement in the refinement, reduction, and replacement of animals used in testing.

​SPCA advocates for continuous improvement in use of animals in research, testing, and teaching where animal behavioural experiments are used.

​SPCA advocates for advancements in technology and more open disciplinary attitudes and practices to move away from use of questionable psychological or behavioural tests.

​SPCA opposes the patenting of animals where this leads to negative impacts on their welfare.

SPCA advocates that the most humane options of killing are used for animals used for research, testing, and teaching. SPCA opposes the current use of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a killing method for animals used in research, testing, and teaching.

SPCA advocates that all staff who are involved with the care and use of animals in research, testing, or teaching must receive appropriate, rigorous, and ongoing animal handling, husbandry, and welfare training.

SPCA advocates that breeding, research, teaching, and testing establishments must reduce wastage of animals by national communication, coordination, and improved planning to avoid excessive breeding of animals in surplus to requirements.