The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is observing World Day for Lab Animals today (April 24).<\/p>\n
The use of animals for scientific purposes is an extremely complex and controversial issue both locally and internationally.<\/p>
As such, broad-based practical initiatives are needed to address animal welfare concerns within this field.<\/p>\n
The NSPCA has a unit dedicated to ensuring that optimal welfare is reached, and that animals do not suffer in this sector.<\/p>
Animals are used for many different purposes which includes but are not limited to use in research, teaching, testing, and education and each area of use raises specific ethical, welfare, and scientific concerns.<\/p>\n
The NSPCA adopts a constructive and practical approach, assessing every issue individually \u2013 critically questioning the necessity and justification for animal use.<\/p>\n
The NSPCA follows the principle of the four R\u2019s in all sectors of animal use \u2013 replacement, reduction, refinement, and responsibility.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Make a wish come true for the Germiston SPCA<\/a><\/p>\n Support the Germiston SPCA and care for animals<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This encourages the replacement of animals where possible, the reduction in the number of animals used for scientific purposes,\u00a0 the refinement of techniques to reduce pain and stress to the animals and we advocate for anyone involved to take responsibility in every aspect of animal use.<\/p>\n \u201cIn an ideal world research should be done without using animals.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately we have not reached that stage yet.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Animal Ethics Unit represents animal welfare on 45 animal ethics committees around the country.<\/p>\n \u201cWe work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of all animals, including invertebrates, which are used for scientific purposes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have, and will continue to put a stop to the unnecessary exploitation of animals\u201d\u201d said Erika Bornman, manager of the NSPCA\u2019s Animal Ethics Unit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n