Animal ethics

All Massey University staff and students are required to obtain permission from MUAEC to use animals, whether they are in New Zealand or overseas. The 'use of an animal' is defined as any manipulation that impinges on an animal’s five freedoms:

• Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition
• Freedom from discomfort
• Freedom from pain and disease
• Freedom to express normal behaviour
• Freedom from fear and distress

Researchers and teachers are required to reduce the welfare ‘cost’ of using animals by considering the three Rs:

• The number of animals used should be reduced to the minimum required to prove the hypothesis
• Manipulations should be refined to minimise their noxiousness
• Animals should be replaced with alternative procedures wherever possible

Please download the Code of Ethical Conduct for the Use of Live Animals for Research, Testing and Teaching for more information. All staff and students intending to use animals must read the Code of Ethical Conduct before submitting an application.

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Last updated on Monday 06 May 2013