Sarah Wolfensohn - Handbook of Laboratory Animal Management and Welfare

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the staff of the Research Animals Department at the RSPCA, in recognition of the contribution they have made towards improving the welfare of laboratory animals.

This edition first published 2013 1998, 2003, 2013 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

First published 1994 by Oxford University Press
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Cover image: Chicken Sarah Wolfensohn; Mouse 1stGallery; Fish Sarah Wolfensohn

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Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to AstraZeneca, James and Steve, and MRC Harwell for supplying photographs for chapters 7, 10 and 11.

Chapter 1

Education and Training for the Personal Licence Holder

Introduction

The use of animals in research in the UK and Europe is controlled by several pieces of legislation, namely Council of Europe Convention ETS 123, EU Directive 2010/63 and the UK Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. These require that institutions where such research is carried out must have sufficient numbers of suitably trained staff. EU Directive 2010/63 specifies training requirements for four categories of personnel: those carrying out procedures on animals, those designing procedures and projects, those taking care of animals and those killing animals. The framework places clear responsibilities on persons in these roles. These are key functions, and it is imperative that people carrying out these duties are competent, to ensure that animal welfare and scientific integrity are maintained. People intending to carry out these roles must complete appropriate training prior to starting work. In addition, the framework requires that persons carrying out procedures, taking care of animals or killing animals must be supervised until they are competent. The supervisor retains this responsibility until training is completed and the requisite competence demonstrated.

Any person wishing to embark on a career in biomedical research must appreciate that they will become primarily responsible for the welfare of the animals on which they have performed scientific procedures. It is an important part of that responsibility that the procedures are performed competently, causing the least amount of trauma to the animals. It follows that those who are carrying out procedures need to understand the legal and ethical framework under which experiments may be performed, how to handle and take care of animals and how to carry out the procedures. It is important for animal welfare and for good science that procedures are carried out to the highest standards, using the best techniques and equipment available, to minimise animal suffering and maximise scientific output. This is usually achieved by a period of fundamental education and training, followed by a period of practice under supervision, in order to acquire the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes to become competent.

Those who take responsibility for the direction and control of a programme of work must be able to manage such a programme, taking all opportunities for Reduction, Refinement and Replacement (the three Rs) and encouraging and promoting an appropriate attitude in those working in the programme. Again, specific training may be required for this role, for example in experimental design and project planning, in communication and in team building. They may also be required to communicate with lay audiences to promote public understanding of science, and training for this may be necessary.

Those who have responsibility for the care of animals must understand the needs of the species they are working with, and know how best to provide for these needs in a laboratory environment.

Those who are just killing animals for tissues must be able to perform the chosen methods of killing swiftly and competently, causing a minimum of distress to the animal and maintaining the carcass such that it is appropriate for use in the subsequent experiment.

In addition, those personnel with responsibility for overall management of facilities must be in a position to maintain the fabric of the establishment and ensure adequate staffing, and put management systems in place for the prevention of unauthorised procedures. They need to develop a culture of care in the institution and must ensure that appropriate training is available for all staff. These people need to be aware of the legal and ethical issues surrounding the use of animals in scientific procedures, and also have training needs. Those acting as named veterinary surgeons or named animal care and welfare officers may also need to undergo specific training for the role.