Millions of animals are used around the world each year by industry in the development and manufacture of products for both human and animal consumption. This includes animals farmed for food, whose skin or fur is used in clothing or textiles, and those used in research and testing by pharmaceutical and chemicals companies.


The impact of these uses on animals is influenced by many factors. This includes the implementation of legislation and standards relating to the protection of animals, increasing sensitivity amongst the public (as consumers) to ethical and welfare issues, and the inclusion of an animal welfare component in the Corporate Social Responsibility policies defined by companies seeking to demonstrate their commitment to ethical and sustainable business. 

 

Mouse and test tubes © istock.com/dra-Schwartz

RSPCA International and industry

We work to help develop legislation, guidelines and standards regarding the use and welfare of laboratory animals, and to encourage ethical animal welfare policies in the clothing, food and cosmetics retail trades.


In recent years, we have worked closely with institutions using animals in experiments, with governments and other relevant bodies to develop and deliver courses relevant to laboratory animal science and welfare - with a particular emphasis on two geographical regions, Eastern Europe and East Asia.


Courses and workshops are developed at the invitation of national legislators or laboratory animal science associations, and are funded jointly by the organising bodies. They are always tailored to the specific research environment and requirements of the countries concerned though common course topics including legislation, training for personnel, ethical review, the 3Rs (see info boxes) and animal housing and care. In addition to our speakers, experts from across academia, industry and government are invited to participate in the delivery of these events.
 

Find out more about how we benefit from the expertise of our research animals department's work internationally.

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