Unsung heroes under the soil
Much of the scientific work being carried out at the Massey University led regenerative agriculture project, Whenua Haumanu, is below the ground.
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.
