Saturday, 06 December 2014 00:00

Mellor lands gong for animal ethics

Written by 
Massey University’s David Mellor Massey University’s David Mellor

MASSEY UNIVERSITY scientist professor David Mellor has been honoured for his work on standards applying to the use of animals in science and teaching.

 The 2014 National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) Three Rs Award is based on the principle of replacing and reducing animals used in research, testing or teaching, and refining experimental techniques to minimise pain or distress, explains NAEAC deputy chair Dr Peter Larsen.

“Professor Mellor’s development of the ‘five domains’ model has extended our concept of refinement and provided the animal welfare community with a tool to assess the physical wellbeing of animals and their emotional and mental states.

“The model measures animals’ welfare from a much broader point of view and recognises the importance of minimising negative impacts to animals and promoting positive welfare outcomes.”

The award is sponsored by the Royal New Zealand SPCA, whose chief executive, Ric Odom, says it promotes the ‘three Rs’ concept in the scientific community and to the wider public.

“Before an animal is used in research, teaching or testing, the benefits of that activity need to be considered against any harm that animal experiences and professor Mellor’s work has been integral to how that’s considered, in New Zealand and internationally.”

The award is coordinated by NAEAC and made annually to an individual, group or institution within New Zealand that best of embodies the principles of the ‘three Rs’.

The award was presented to Mellor at a workshop for animal ethics committees in Wellington in November.

More like this

Massey study tests impact of solar panels on grass growth

Many farmers have invested in solar energy for dairy sheds or houses, but little hard data exists on the viability of solar panels in open paddocks or the loss of drymatter this may cause. Massey University scientist Dr Sam Wilson is conducting research to get more information about this. Rural News reporter Peter Burke went to investigate.

From Nelson to Dairy Research: Amy Toughey’s Journey

Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.

Featured

'One more push' to eliminate FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter