Leslie Retnam
Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
Title: Enhancing animal welfare for good science through guidelines and regulations in Singapore
Biography
Biography: Leslie Retnam
Abstract
The use of animals in any field – be it food, work, entertainment or scientific purposes – continues to attract the attention of individuals with interest in their welfare. Of relevance to the biotechnology industry is the use of live animals for testing, research and training because of the potential harm and distress which may compromise their wellbeing. In Singapore, national guidelines regulating the use of animals for scientific purposes are currently being revised to further enhance animal welfare and promote good science.
The National Advisory Committee on Laboratory Animal Research (NACLAR) was established in 2003 to formulate a set of national policies and standards regulating the acquisition, housing and utilisation of laboratory animals in biomedical research. It also sought to address related scientific, ethical and legal issues pertaining to the use of animals within the biotechnology industry. Shortly after the publication of NACLAR’s guidelines, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) announced ‘The Animals and Birds (Care for the use of animals for Scientific Purposes) Rules’ which legislated compulsary licensing of animal research facilities. To this day, these measures maintain a high standard of animal welfare within Singapore’s biotechnology industry.
This poster depicts a historical perspective on the development of guidelines and regulations in Singapore relating to the use of animals for scientific purposes, and illustrates enhancements to the first edition of the NACLAR Guidelines currently being deliberated to improve animal welfare.