Tests on animals controlled

Press, 5 March 1988, Page 31

Tests on animals controlled

PA Wellington About 30 organisations have approved codes of ethical conduct controlling their use of live ani-

mals in research, testing and teaching, said the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Moyle. These included uni- i versifies, polytechnics, hospitals. Government de- ' partments and private companies. As well, the Education Department < had a code which was binding on all State and integrated schools. Under regulations made last year, it is offence to use animals in research or teaching without an approved code. Mr Moyle said there

I were some organisations (which were believed to need a code of ethical conduct, but which} had not yet had one approved. Some of these organisations had codes in the final stages of preparation. Other organisations, if they continued to work without a code, could be subject to prosecution.

“The fact that these procedures are now operating has made a substantial step in ensuring the welfare and humane treatment of animals used in research, experiments, testing and teaching,” Mr Moyle said. , A great deal depended on the animal ethics committees which each institution must have, he said.