Target: Professor Steve Wesselingh, Chief Executive Officer of the Australia National Health and Medical Research Council
Goal: Ensure the protection of all lab animals from cruel and unnecessary experiments.
Over 845,000 animals, including highly sentient beings such as primates, are subjected to research in Australia each year, raising serious ethical concerns about the treatment and consideration of these animals. Current policies allow for insufficient oversight, with investigations into cruelty occurring primarily in response to complaints, which are rare due to the closed nature of research activities. The implications of this lack of immediate and thorough regulatory oversight are alarming, as researchers may prioritize their scientific pursuits over the welfare of animals, potentially leading to prolonged suffering and distress.
Key stakeholders, including the RSPCA and Animal Free Science Advocacy, have raised critical voices demanding better monitoring of laboratory conditions, enshrined definitions of animal sentience—including for crustaceans—and prohibitions on practices causing severe harm to animals. The absence of real external enforcement mechanisms and the reliance on self-regulation from researchers signal a dangerous gap in accountability for animal welfare, which does not reflect the growing recognition of animal sentience in society.
To prevent further suffering and ensure humane treatment, urgent action is necessary to overhaul the current system governing animal research. This petition calls for an immediate update to the National Health and Medical Research Council code, with stringent requirements for monitoring practices and clear prohibitions on high-harm procedures.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear CEO Wesselingh,
The treatment of laboratory animals in Australia demands urgent attention and reform. With over 845,000 animals used in research each year, including vulnerable primate species, the lack of stringent oversight and accountability raises profound ethical concerns regarding their suffering. Current regulations fail to enforce adequate measures for humane treatment, relying heavily on self-regulation, which has the potential to exacerbate distress and cruelty in laboratory settings.
Furthermore, the push for enhancements such as recognizing animal sentience, updating definitions to include crustaceans, and ensuring that all procedures are conducted ethically highlights the growing awareness of animal rights within our society. Given the increasing recognition of sentience among all animals and the efforts by organizations like the RSPCA, it is clear that the need for robust policies that protect these animals is paramount. The absence of proactive measures invites ongoing suffering and neglect.
Therefore, we respectfully demand an immediate review and update of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s code governing animal research. This must include stringent enforcement mechanisms, monitoring provisions, and prohibitions on practices that cause unnecessary suffering. Implementing these changes is essential to ensuring a humane approach to animal research in Australia.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
