Ethics and Australian mammalogy: reflections on 15 years (1991–2006) on an Animal Ethics Committee
Daniel Lunney
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of Premier and Cabinet NSW, PO Box 1967, Hurstville, NSW 2220 and School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia. Email: dan.lunney@environment.nsw.gov.au
Australian Mammalogy 34(1) 1-17 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM10010
Submitted: 4 April 2010 Accepted: 13 November 2010 Published: 23 November 2011
Abstract
This essay on field mammalogy and research ethics presents my reflections on 15 years as a researcher sitting on an Animal Ethics Committee in New South Wales. It outlines the community debate on animal welfare and the ethics of research on animals, how government has responded, and how wildlife researchers can move forward in this arena. Three schools are identified within the animal protection movement: ‘animal welfare’ holds that it is legitimate to use animals as a resource, so long as that use is ‘necessary’ and the animal’s suffering ‘minimised’; ‘animal liberationists’ are likely to oppose most animal research; the ‘animal rights’ position is firmly abolitionist. The instruments that regulate research involving animals are examined, in particular the New South Wales Animal Research Act 1985, the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, and Animal Ethics Committees. Examples of ethical dilemmas involving both native and non-native animals are discussed. The debate over animals in research will continue, and it is clear that far more can be gained by engaging in the debate than avoiding it. It is in researchers’ interests to publicly defend the essential role of science in conserving our native fauna, and to conduct our work within a well managed welfare framework.
Additional keywords: Animal Ethics Committee, Animal Research Review Panel, animal rights, Margaret Rose, National Animal Welfare Strategy, Peter Singer, RSPCA.
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