What Are Ethical Review Policies and Animal Welfare Legislation, and Why Do They Matter?
From improving human and animal health to developing new medicines and supporting conservation projects, animal research plays an important role in creating solutions to many of the complex issues facing humankind. The use of animals in research is governed by animal welfare legislation and ethical review policies. Animal welfare legislation is set out at the national level to protect animals from unnecessary pain, suffering, and distress, while ethical review policies provide institutional frameworks to ensure these laws are followed and the use of animals in research is justified. Despite their importance, the extent of legislation regulating animal research around the world remains unclear.
This Project's Aim & Planned Impact
This research project will examine all 54 countries in Africa, collecting data on the existence and scope of animal welfare legislation, as well as the ethical review policies that are followed. By compiling these laws and frameworks, this project aims to provide a clearer understanding of how animal research is regulated across the continent.
The information collected will be used to further develop professional education courses across Africa, contributing to sustainable development goals 4 (quality education) and 17 (cooperation on achieving the SDGs). These courses enhance animal welfare and support researchers to undertake high-quality science for the benefit of humankind.