ANZCCART

The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) aims to provide leadership in developing community consensus on ethical, social and scientific issues relating to the use and wellbeing of animals in research and teaching.

ANZCCART's objectives are to promote:

• excellence in the care of animals supplied for or used in research and teaching;
• responsible scientific use of animals;
• the 3Rs policy of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement as they apply to the use of animals for scientific purposes;
• informed discussion and debate within the community regarding these matters;
• strategic partnerships to contribute to the education and training of scientists, students and the broader community.

As an independent body that consults widely, ANZCCART provides well-researched and objective information that helps to ensure that research and teaching using animals is conducted in a careful, considered and humane way.

ANZCCART publishes a monthly Newsletter online (to subscribe, click here); free Fact Sheets that are designed to assist researchers and teachers by providing concise and practical information on a wide variety of subjects; and a collection of texts that have particular relevance for teachers and researchers in Australia and New Zealand. Fact sheets currently cover: the chicken, frog, toad and sheep as experimental animals; reduction of animal numbers by improving design and statistics; the role of veterinarians in the care and use of animals inresearch and teaching; and animals in schools.

Workshops and symposia on topical issues and designed to meet local needs are held yearly. The Annual Conference alternates between venues in Australia and New Zealand.

ANZCCART offers a free online course, ComPass, that covers the Australian Code and NZ Guide and welfare issues relating to animal use in research and teaching. Successful completion of Phase one of the course and its quiz fulfils the mandated basic training needs of researchers and teachers using animals as well as members of Animal Ethics Committees (AEC) in Australia and NZ (except AEC members in Victoria who are required to complete the Animal Welfare Victoria training).

The aim is to standardize and augment the training offered for animal users in research and teaching throughout Australasia by offering this free online interactive and resource-rich course to all who need this training.

There is more information about the New Zealand division of ANZCCART here.