Singapore: Jail and fines for researchers who treat animals inhumanely

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Jail and fines for researchers who treat animals inhumanely

(DPA)

 

30 October 2004

 

SINGAPORE - Researchers who treat laboratory animals inhumanly will face a

year in jail and fines up to 10,000 Singapore dollars (5,900 US) under new

regulations starting November 15.

 

Licensing of all research institutions using animals will be compulsory and

granted only after the facilities meet such standards as providing training

for researchers, caretakers and managers on the proper care, handling and

housing of animals under the rules unveiled on Saturday.

 

Policing researchers to make sure scientists follow the strict guidelines

covering all aspects of animal use and care is the Agri-Food and Veterinary

Authority (AVA).

 

If spot checks cover any infringements, offenders face imprisonment and

fines while the institute stands to lose its licence.

 

“At this point animals have to be used for scientific purposes, that’s a

given,” Professor Bernard Tan, head of the National Advisory Committee for

Laboratory Animal Guidelies, told The Straits Times.

 

“What we have tried to do is to ensure they are used humanely,” he was

quoted as saying.

 

AVA chief executive officer Ngiam Tong Tau said the AVA has not received any

complaints accusing researchers here of making animals suffer.

 

While this indicates self-regulation has worked, the legal framework will

formalise it, he noted.

 

Institutes using animals have a two-month grace period from November 15 to

submit their applications for licenses.

 

The regulations were adopted from those existing in the United States,

Australia, Canada and several international organizations.

 

Nearly 90 per cent of the research using animals here relies on small

creatures such as rodents. Research involving primates is rare in Singapore.