Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 7th Edition (2004)

National Health and Medical Research Council [NHMRC] Animal Welfare Committee

Abstract

People who use animals for scientific purposes have an obligation to treat them with respect and consider their welfare as an essential factor when planning and conducting studies. [p. 5] Pain and distress cannot be evaluated easily in animals and therefore investigators and teachers must assume that animals experience pain in a similar manner to humans. Decisions regarding the animal's welfare must be based on this assumption unless there is evidence to the contrary. [p. 6] Pens, cages and containers should be constructed and maintained to ensure the comfort and well-being of the animals. The following factors should be taken into account:- species-specific behavioural requirements, including the availability and design of space to enable free movement and activity, sleeping, privacy, and contact with others of the same species:........ Animal: Any live non-human vertebrate, this fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. [p. 3].