About Animal-Free Science Advocacy
Advocating for scientifically valid animal-free science
Our Vision
“A future where no animals are harmed in the name of science, and scientific progress is advanced through animal-free research methods”
Our Values
- Compassion — for animals used in science and for all beings reliant on safe and effective medical and scientific progress
- Respect — for the scientific process and towards all who may hold opposing viewpoints, or work in the animal-based research industry, whom we will treat with courtesy and civility
- Integrity — in providing factual information about animal-based researchÂ
- Courage — to speak out in the face of opposition and on behalf of animals who cannot speak out
- Commitment — to continuously challenge the status quo by advocating for scientifically valid animal-free methods of research
- Transparency — in all of our undertakings to promote positive solutions that advance animal-free science
Mission Statement and Principles
Animal-Free Science Advocacy work professionally, ethically, and with compassion for all beings as our driving motivation. We build public awareness of animal experimentation; to pursue all reasonable channels to eliminate animal experimentation in any form or industry, and to champion the beneficial adoption of animal-free alternatives to all forms of animal usage throughout scientific and medical research and teaching.
We hold and maintain the following as core principles:
- Research data obtained from animal experimentation and extrapolated to human conditions is unreliable and ineffective, and delays progress for human health.
- Animal-based research and teaching represents unnecessarily cruel, empirically compromised and unethical treatment of non-consenting sentient beings.
- The replacement of animals with validated non-animal methods will facilitate scientifically reliable, effective, empirically valid research outcomes.
How and when do AFSA actively oppose harmful use of animals in science?
Science and research are very broad areas. AFSA recognises that some research, such as observation of wild animals for conservation purposes, is non-invasive, and that is some circumstances, veterinary research or training can be conducted without harm to animals. Whilst we advocate for animal-free research, we accept that under very limited conditions, animal use may be permissible, when in the interests of the individual animal/s used in such research. It is impossible to foretell all such cases and AFSA reserves the right to assess each research protocol on its individual merits.
Put simply, we disagree with any harmful use of animals in science
By science we are referring to biomedical science (both fundamental and applied research), regulatory science, chemical testing, agricultural research, veterinary research, science teaching, and any other scientific discipline that may entail animal experimentation.
What do we mean by ‘harmful use’?
We adhere to this definition:
Any use of animals that cause pain, suffering, distress, or lasting negative impact, including death—without any clear benefit to the animals themselves[1].
It is important to note that even if the research conducted is not considered harmful, the laboratory environment itself can cause suffering and the prevention of natural behaviours and thus be detrimental [2].
[1] Zemanova, M.A.; Knight, A.; Lybæk, S. Educational use of animals in Europe indicates reluctance to implement alternatives. ALTEX 2021, 38, 490–506
[2] Balcombe J. Laboratory rodent welfare: thinking outside the cage. J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2010;13(1):77-88. doi: 10.1080/10888700903372168. PMID: 20017048.
- Humane: showing kindness, care, and sympathy towards others, especially those who are suffering (Cambridge Dictionary)
- Inhumane: without compassion for misery or suffering; cruel (Oxford Languages)
- Cruel: extremely unkind, or causing people or animals to suffer (Cambridge Dictionary)
- Suffering: the experience of unpleasant emotions such as fear, pain and frustration and absence of positive experiences (Animal-Free Science Advocacy)
Our active opposition is focused on instances where the research is particularly invasive, where the research uses a species that has highly advanced cognitive abilities or a long lifespan, where the research is superfluous or of questionable value, or research for which there are scientifically-validated alternatives available. AFSA’s position on animal use in biomedical research and teaching (including regulatory testing) is detailed here.Â
Collaboration
Animal-Free Science Advocacy recognises that there are logistical, institutional, economic, and regulatory barriers to transitioning to human-relevant research, all of which are frequently raised at Congresses such as the World Congress for Alternatives and Animals in the Life Sciences. Animal-Free Science Advocacy is open to collaboration with individuals and organisations to overcome these barriers and to work together to incentivise a phase-out of animal experimentation. With no phase-out plan in Australia, AFSA supports the principles of the RSPCA UK 2030 Phase-out Plan, the Cruelty-Free International Target Xero report, the Eurogroup for Animals Strategy, and the PETA Research Modernization Deal.  AFSA supports the recommendations of the 2023 CSIRO report Non-animal models: A strategy maturing Australia’s medical product development capabilities.
Reporting and Financial DisclosureÂ
Animal-Free Science Advocacy’s annual activity statements are available on the ACNC website.
We do not receive any Government funding.
Our corporate partners are listed here.
We do not receive any funding from Phamaceutical companies.
Our investments exclude any companies or sectors that are damaging to animals or the environment. We positively screen companies which conserve, regenerate, and protect the environment, or invest in alternatives to animals in research.
Non-Financial Disclosures
AFSA is a member organisation of the International Council on Animal Protection in OECD Programmes (ICAPO) and the International Council on Animal Protection in Pharmaceutical Programs (ICAPPP).Â
See here for more information on how ICAPO contribute to the test guidelines development
AFSA’s Science Outreach Consultant sits on the editorial board of the journal Alternatives to Laboratory Animals.Â
Complaints Procedure
If you have a complaint about Animal-Free Science Advocacy, please contact us through one of the following methods:
– Phone: Call 1800 486 263 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Outside these hours, leave a message, and we will return your call within one working day.
– Email: Send your complaint to info@animalfreescience.org.au
– Mail: Write to Animal-Free Science Advocacy, PO Box 15, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065. Please include your contact details.
We will acknowledge your complaint within two working days of receipt and aim to resolve it within ten working days. If you are dissatisfied with the response, contact the relevant oversight bodies, being the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission or Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Our member grievance procedures are outline in AFSA’s constitution which is made available to all members.
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