It has been our experience that people equate "animal testing" with the testing of cosmetics on animals. It is much more than that – and you will find that relatively simple steps can be taken which make a huge difference. What we mean is that the more people who buy animal-friendly products, those that are either not tested on animals or which do not contain animal substances, the more demand there will be for them and the less of a consumer demand for products that are less than animal-friendly.

The National Council of SPCAs represents the SPCA movement within South Africa and looks forward to the time when no animals will be used for invasive, painful and unnecessary research. It is recognised that there will be a gradual transition period and that the NSPCA’s role will be to contribute as much as it can to alleviate the suffering of laboratory animals today – and during this transition period. Added to that is the mission of promoting the use of non-sentient alternatives to animal testing.

As much as we would all like to believe that no research should ever be done on animals, this state of affairs is unlikely to become a reality for the foreseeable future. It must also be remembered that not all research is invasive, leading to stress or distress but that even trials to assess the palatability of a food for animals are listed as an animal experiment and need to be controlled.

Justification for much animal use and the results obtained from such use are highly questionable both from the scientific perspective as well as from an ethical / philosophical approach.

The NSPCA’s Research Ethics Unit’s function is to ensure that the minimum number of animals is used and that the treatment of those used is humane and that the welfare of those animals is paramount. This is done through involvement in "the industry", for example: -

The NSPCA is represented on the Ethics Committees of 17 institutions where input is given on project proposals submitted for approval. The process includes weighing up the benefit of the research to humans or to other animals against the cost to the experimental animals – in order to ensure that alternatives to the use of animals are considered and, if possible, used.

The NSPCA inspects research facilities to ensure that they comply with national standards as inadequate facilities may not only lead to research of poor quality but also poses a risk to the animals housed there and the personnel who work there.

Assistance is given to educate committees and the researchers in research ethics and animal welfare. Contributions are made to Codes of Conduct and guidelines which govern this industry, bringing welfare to the fore.

The use of alternatives to animal testing is encouraged through the funding of specific projects and the supplying of literature to key role players on a regular basis.

Over the few years that this Unit has been in existence at the NSPCA, it has made a significant contribution to reducing the number of animals used in research projects and ensuring the welfare of those in research facilities.