In March 2024, the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) New Zealand, released its second Annual Report on the Openness Agreement for the Use of Animals in Research and Teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand.
New Zealand's Openness Agreement launched in July 2021 with 21 signatories, and was the first agreement of its kind beyond the UK and Europe. The Agreement has now expanded, representing 30 organisations, all committed to creating transparency and accountability in the use of animals for research and teaching purposes.
Across the world, these openness agreements represent landmark initiatives in developing more meaningful and effective public conversations about animal research practices and the ethical considerations that surround them. Signatories pledge to enhance communication with the media, the public, and tangata whenua (the indigenous Māori community) around the use of animals in research and teaching, as well as how they adhere to the principles outlined in the New Zealand Animal Welfare Act.
Key findings from the second Annual Report include:
- Progress in Openness: The report highlights significant improvements in transparency among signatory organisations, with the majority actively providing additional information to the public about their use of animals in research and teaching.
- Community Engagement: Signatories have demonstrated a commitment to engaging with the public and tangata whenua through various initiatives, including public presentations, facility tours, and consultations with Māori communities.
- Enhanced Communication: Despite challenges, organizations have made strides in enhancing communication channels with the media and the public, though there is room for improvement in streamlining access to information on organizational websites.
- Commitment to Ethical Practices: The report underscores the importance of incorporating tikanga Māori approaches and promoting the principles of the Three Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in animal research and teaching endeavors.
The report also includes recommendations for signatory organizations to enhance their openness, including the adoption of best practices, improved website accessibility, and the development of policies to facilitate transparent communication.
The full report is available from the ANZCCART New Zealand website.
Last edited: 10 April 2024 07:55
