SPCA opposes the practice of breeding excess animals for research, teaching, and testing because of the potential negative impacts on the welfare of unwanted animals.

Our organisation advocates that justification of the need for animals of a specific sex, age, or weight must be stringently and critically reviewed by animal ethics committees (AECs) when deciding whether to approve research, testing, and teaching using animals.

Our organisation supports the use of tissue banks to promote the sharing of unused or discarded animal tissues that can be of benefit to other research, testing, or teaching.

SPCA supports the transportation of animals used in research, testing, and teaching only where this minimises harm to their physical, health, and behavioural needs.

SPCA acknowledges that transportation is stressful for animals, in particular the loading and unloading components, and every step should be taken to reduce the stress involved. Where animals are transported, SPCA recommends that steps are taken to minimise welfare harms such as examination by a veterinarian before transportation, choosing appropriately sized crates, crate training before transportation, and choosing a route that is most direct where possible.

SPCA advocates that shelter is provided that is clean, dry, suitably ventilated and that offers protection from heat or cold stress for all animals who are waiting on-farm or elsewhere to be collected for transportation. The shelter should be appropriate and sufficient for the species and the number of animals contained within it to allow for each animal to be able to stand up or lie down in its own space. All animals must always have access to fresh water while awaiting transport.

SPCA advocates for the establishment of formal training and ongoing education and assessment for drivers of vehicles involved in the transportation of animals.

The training and education should include adequate knowledge of the care and welfare of animal species in their care. All animal transporters should receive ongoing training on low-stress, force-free handling of animals and driving techniques to minimise welfare harms (e.g. avoiding hard braking or acceleration, gentle cornering).

SPCA supports the appropriate rehoming of animals used in research, testing, and teaching.

Our organisation advocates for the rehoming of animals used in research, testing, and teaching when they live a Good Life, experience positive welfare, and their physical, health, and behavioural needs are met. SPCA supports institutional practices that aim to improve the success of rehoming of animals used in research, testing, and teaching such as socialisation to experiences they may encounter after adoption.

SPCA advocates for the supply of animals to include contingency planning related to major disruptions in operations and research that would impact the breeding and housing of animals.