Animal welfare

The University of Cambridge takes the position that compliance with the law and associated Codes of Practice relating to animal welfare is the minimum operating standard. To this end, the University has management procedures to ensure that considerations of the 3Rs (the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research) are embedded into all aspects of our strategic and operation management and a well-developed governance system, which is currently undergoing a full independent review to identify areas for improvement. The University recognises that its position globally as a centre of research excellence comes with the associated responsibility of ensuring that all research with animals is similarly undertaken with a priority in achieving the highest welfare standards. This underpins the University Animal Welfare Policy which is currently under review to strengthen this position. There are no restrictions based upon available resource for weekend and out-of-hours working, and all staff are clearly informed that they must deal with any welfare issues when problems arise. Three full-time Named Veterinary Surgeons (NVS) are employed together with access to additional veterinary support to ensure 365 day veterinary cover for research animals. The University actively encourages the reporting of animal welfare concerns by all staff, Named Animal Care and Welfare Officers (NACWOs) and NVS, including the ability for all people involved in animal welfare and research to communicate directly with the Establishment Licence Holder (ELH).