Publication of ‘Animal Experimentation – a necessary evil?’
Education is an area that we feel is of huge importance. Many members support our work simply because it is cruel and unethical to conduct invasive research on animals. While this reason alone should be sufficient, it is simply not enough if we are to engage in debate. It is so important that we are aware of the scientific arguments against animal research, understand how the system works and are able to challenge the justifications of the pro-animal research advocates. For this reason we produced the booklet “Animal Experimentation – a necessary evil?” It provides an overview of the types of research conducted in Australia, statistics, legislation and protection, species differences, examples of where animal research has caused delays and disasters, why it continues and the alternatives. The booklet is not an in-depth study but provides an overview of the issue so that members, supporters, students etc are provided with a basic understanding. The booklet is freely available to schools and libraries and can also be downloaded from our website.
Launch of our Case Studies
There is a public misconception that animals used in experiments are protected through the presence of ethics committees, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Code of Practice. There is also the view that it is “only” rats and mice that are used. Of course we know that neither of these is true. There are still horrific procedures that are still carried out on all types of animals – procedures that the general public are largely unaware of. We are attempting to address that by reporting on what really does occur in Australia.
The case studies listed on our website demonstrate that the experiments that occur behind lab doors are not some exaggerated claims from yesteryear. They are happening right here and now.
Jonathan Balcombe presentation
Taking advantage of his visit to Australia, HRA hosted an evening with Dr Jonathan Balcombe, an author and animal behaviourist who has written many papers on humane education and opposing animal experimentation. The evening was to assist Dr Balcombe launch his book Pleasurable Kingdom and also so educate and inspire our members and supporters.