Openness in Animal Research and Teaching Policy

The policy applies to all members of the University.

To outline the approach to openness in animal research and teaching regarding animals covered under Animal Welfare Act 1999 (the Act).

In 2021, the University signed the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in New Zealand that includes five commitments:

Commitment 1: We will be clear about why and how we use animals in research and teaching.
Commitment 2: We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our use of animals in research and teaching.
Commitment 3: We will enhance our communications with tangata whenua about our use of animals in research and teaching.
Commitment 4: We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research and teaching using animals.
Commitment 5: We will report on progress annually and share our experiences.

The University acknowledges Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the need for openness and engagement with tangata whenua as kaitiaki and pou tikanga, especially where research and teaching involve tāonga species covered by the Act, by engaging early, and being inclusive in identifying issues and developing solutions.

Members of the University will increasingly meet these commitments allowing for transparency and the opportunity for open communication with members of the public and media by:

• incorporating tikanga Māori approaches to openness;
• ensuring that members of the University are aware of the organisation’s involvement with, and support for, the use of animals in research and teaching, including highlighting replacement of the use of animals with alternatives;
• providing evidence of the application of the 3Rs (Replacement, Refinement and Reduction) in animal research and teaching;
• following and reporting the use of acknowledged good practice when designing and publishing the results of animal research (e.g., the principles enshrined in the PREPARE and ARRIVE guidelines);
• providing information about the use of animals in research and teaching in response to enquiries, indicating where there are reasons not to respond;
• including information about the role of animal research in scientific advancement and/or product development communications where relevant and appropriate;
• facilitating activities that encourage public engagement around the use of animals in animal research and teaching;
• protecting the identity of members of the University where appropriate, but support and encourage the training of those who wish to engage with the media on matters pertaining to the use of animals in research and teaching;
• providing descriptions of the benefits, harms, and limitations of animal use in research and teaching, and be open about its impact on animal welfare and the ethical considerations involved.

Note: As time progresses (e.g. after appropriate training), it is expected that the principles will be incorporated into the formal policy portion of this document.
 

1. The DVCR (or delegate) is to report to ANZCCART annually on actions taken to fulfil our Commitments and will share experience of the effectiveness and impact of the strategies adopted.

2. The Animal Welfare Officer and the Media & Communications Manager are to be the initial points of contact supported by the Office of the DVCR, for enquiries about the University’s involvement in the use of animals in research and teaching.

3. The policy is to be administered by the DVCR.

Animal Welfare Act 1999: This is a current Act of Parliament in New Zealand and is administered by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The Animal Welfare Act sets out how people should take care of and act towards animals and, sets out the obligations of animal owners or people in charge of animals. The Act also sets out an ethical framework for the use of animals in research, testing, and teaching. MPI and the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the RNZSPCA) jointly enforce the Act.
ANZCCART: The Australian & New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART).
ARRIVE guidelines: ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) is a checklist of international recommendations to improve the reporting of research involving animals – maximising the quality and reliability of published research, and enabling others to better scrutinise, evaluate, and reproduce it.
Member of the University includes:
•  anyone employed under a University, or Auckland UniServices Limited employment agreement, or as an independent contractor, and
•  any student enrolled at the University and
•  anyone else who is undertaking, piloting or supporting research in association or affiliation with the University, including anyone subject to the Honorary and Adjunct Appointment Policy and Procedures or holding a University title such as Emeritus Professor.
Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in NZ: The set of commitments for NZ-based organisations that conduct, fund or support animal research to enhance their animal research communications. It was launched by ANZCCART on 27 July 2021.
PREPARE guidelines: Planning Research and Experimental Procedures on Animals: Recommendations for Excellence. International guidelines developed for planning animal experiments as part of ongoing efforts to reduce waste, promote animal alternatives (and the 3Rs), and increase the reproducibility of research and testing.
University means Waipapa Taumata Rau - The University of Auckland and includes all subsidiaries.
3Rs: The principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) were developed over 50 years ago providing a framework for performing more humane animal research.

Animal Welfare Act 1999
Access to University Facilities Policy
Media, Public Communication and Statements Policy
Privacy Policy
Arrive guidelines
Prepare guidelines

Owner: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Content manager: Director Research Strategy and Integrity
Approved by: Senate and Council
Date approved: 27 April 2022
Review date: 27 April 2027