Training resource launches in China

Containing comprehensive video tutorials with trainer’s notes on substance administration and aseptic surgical technique in laboratory rodents, the ‘Procedures with Care’ website (http://pwc.cnilas.org/) aims to provide easily achievable standards and improve animal welfare.

Videos focus primarily on the manual skills needed to carry out different procedures humanely and efficiently, and on the need to handle animals with care to reduce any distress caused by the procedure.

The website is a collaboration between veterinarians and researchers at Newcastle University’s internationally leading Pain and Animal Welfare Sciences group along with the UK’s NC3Rs and the Institute of Animal Technology (IAT). The Chinese version was funded by the NC3Rs, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), and the Chinese Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences (CALAS).

Paul Littlefair, Head of RSPCA International said: "The RSPCA has worked with Chinese organisation CALAS since 2007 to deliver training in animal welfare and the 3Rs, and laboratory animal welfare materials in Chinese. China has the world's second largest economy, is a major force in science and technology, and currently breeds and uses laboratory animals in similar numbers to the US and the EU. This means that the launch of the Chinese 'Procedures with Care' website is a significant and valuable development, with huge potential to reduce suffering and improve the everyday care of millions of animals in laboratories across China."

Dr Vicky Robinson, Chief Executive of the NC3Rs said: “Common procedures carried out on laboratory animals include surgery and the administration of substances. If these procedures are not carried out with care, not only can animal welfare be compromised, but the scientific goals of a study can be affected.

“The Procedures with Care website has already proven popular across several English-speaking countries. It provides guidance that can be implemented in any institute where rodents undergo dosing or surgery. Enabling Chinese researchers to access this valuable training material will help support good practice and improve animal welfare.”

Contact the NC3Rs media office for further information. 

Notes for Editors:

1. About the NC3Rs: The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) leads the discovery and application of new technologies and approaches to minimise the use of animals and improve animal welfare (the 3Rs). It funds research, supports training and development, and stimulates changes in regulations and practice. Primarily funded by Government, the NC3Rs is also supported by the charitable and private sectors. It works with scientists in universities and industry in the UK and internationally.
2. About the IAT: The Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) recognises and supports the benefits of using animals in research. The IAT is recognised as an Awarding Organisation by Ofqual and offers Further and Higher Education qualifications that encourage animal technologists to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes so the highest standards of animal care and welfare, plus good science are maintained. The IAT works closely with Animal Welfare organisations, to promote best practice and draft guidelines, on the care of all laboratory species. Further information can be found at: www.iat.org.uk
3. About the RSPCA: The RSPCA adopts a constructive, practical approach to the issue of animal experiments, and liaises with those in government, industry and academia involved in the regulation, care and use of animals. The Society judges every issue individually, critically questioning the necessity and justification for animal use and arguing the need to reduce the conflict between the interests of animals and of science. Our primary aim is the replacement of animal experiments with humane alternatives worldwide. Until this can be achieved, the RSPCA works to help ensure that the minimum numbers of animals are used and that they experience the minimum suffering. For more information on the work the RSPCA undertakes internationally to develop more effective processes of ethical review and promote fuller implementation of the 3Rs, see: http://www.rspca.org.uk/sciencegroup/researchanimals/whatwedo/workinginternationally