OVMA Handbooks
Issue link: https://publications.ovma.org/i/571762
OVMA 420 Bronte Street South, Suite 205, Milton, Ontario L9T 0H9 T. 905.875.0756 or 1.800.670.1702 (toll-free) F. 905.875.0958 or 1.877.482.5941 (toll-free) info@ovma.org www.ovma.org OVMA Position Statement – The Use of Animals in Research, Teaching and Testing OVMA recognizes the need to use animals for research, teaching, and testing purposes to improve the overall well-being of humans and animals, when there are no scientifically acceptable replacement alternatives, and when the studies have been shown to be scientifically and ethically justified. OVMA recognizes and upholds the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) program. Animal-based studies should be carried out in accordance with CCAC guidelines and policies by institutions holding a valid CCAC Certificate of Good Animal Practice® Background: As a caring profession, veterinarians are trained to prevent pain and suffering in animals and to enhance their physical and behavioural well-being. The CCAC system of overseeing the use of animals in research, teaching, and testing is based on institutional animal care committees and on the Russell and Burch tenet of the "3 Rs" (Reduction, Refinement, Replacement). Animals should only be used if the researcher's best efforts to find a replacement alternative have failed. Those using animals should employ the most humane methods on the smallest number of appropriate animals required to obtain valid information. The CCAC Certificate of Good Animal Practice® indicates that an institution meets the national standards for the care and use of animals for research, teaching, and testing in Canada, including laboratory animals, wildlife, and farm animals. (February 5, 2014 Board)