As the leading research university in Atlantic Canada, Dalhousie University recognizes the value and importance of scientific research. A portion of the research conducted here involves the use of animals. We believe that animal research is both necessary and ethical, since it advances our ability to improve human and animal well-being. Essentially all medical breakthroughs have depended upon the use of animals at some level, and animal-based research continues to be critical in the search for treatments and cures for many diseases including cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases.

Hand-in-hand with our research goals, one of Dalhousie’s highest priorities is the ethical and humane treatment of all research animals.

The University Committee on Laboratory Animals

The University Committee on Laboratory Animals (UCLA) is Dalhousie’s animal ethics committee, responsible for overseeing the care and use of all vertebrate animals on campus. The UCLA is composed of scientists, technicians, veterinarians, students, and members of the public. The UCLA reviews each proposal to use animals, and decides whether the project has valid scientific goals and whether it is ethical and humane. One of the main ethical principles that we use in evaluating research projects is the principle of the 3 R’s—Replacement of animals whenever possible with alternatives such as computer models or cells; Reduction in the number of animals used; and Refinement of techniques to make them as humane as possible.

The Canadian Council on Animal Care

The Canadian Council on Animal Care (www.ccac.ca) is the national peer review agency responsible for setting and maintaining standards for the care and use of animals in research, teaching and testing throughout Canada. The CCAC performs regular assessment visits to Dalhousie and other Canadian universities to ensure that these standards are being met. All animal-based research projects conducted at Dalhousie must strictly adhere to the CCAC guidelines, as well as to university policies and UCLA decisions. Dalhousie holds a current Certificate of Good Animal Practice from the CCAC.

Animal Care Staff

Dalhousie University employs a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal care technicians to ensure that research animals are treated with respect and compassion. These professionals have animal welfare as their first priority. They observe all research animals daily, and provide them with first-class care and attention. Dalhousie also has a mandatory training program to ensure that scientists using research animals are trained and competent to carry out procedures in ways that will avoid or minimize distress to the animals.

We all look forward to a day when research animals are not required to improve human and animal health. Until that time comes, Dalhousie University is committed to place the highest priority on maintaining rigorous standards for the ethical and humane treatment of all animals within our care.