The role of Animal Welfare Bodies under Directive 2010/63 Maggy Jennings, RSPCA Zagreb, 2014

Overview of presentation Based on an EC expert working group document* on Animal Welfare Bodies and National Committees covering: Role, tasks and membership of the AWB Comparison with ethics committees worldwide Interpreting the AWB tasks – examples of activities and approaches Setting up an effective AWB The National Committee * _en.htm

Role, membership, benefits

Role and tasks Article 26: The requirement Each breeder, user and supplier must set up an animal welfare body which operates at the institution level Article 27: Tasks of the AWB a) a)Advise staff on matters relating to animal welfare (in relation to supply, housing, care and use) b) b)Advise staff and keep them up to date on the 3Rs c) c)Establish and review internal operational procedures d) d)Follow the development and outcome of projects… e) e)Advise on rehoming schemes Records of advice must be kept for at least 3 years

Benefits of an AWB An effective, well set up AWB: Promotes high standards of animal welfare Provides motivation and support and enhances application of the 3Rs Improves quality of science Improves links between animal care staff and researchers Provides a critical discussion forum which will constructively challenge the status quo Helps develop and maintain a good culture of care that underpins good practice Improves public confidence in research conduct

Minimum membership Article 26.2: The AWB shall include at least: “ The person responsible for the care and welfare of animals and in the case of a user, a scientific member” “The AWB shall also receive input from the designated veterinarian …” But the tasks cover a wide range of technical, scientific and practical welfare topics which needs input from personnel with a wide range of knowledge, expertise and experience

How do AWBs compare with Ethics Committees around the world? Ethics committees are well established in some countries (e.g. Canada, Australia/NZ, USA, Sweden, Switzerland…) and EU Member States; just starting in others May be at institute, regional or national level Some have a regulatory role and carry out project authorisation Local institute ECs cover AWB tasks a) - e) Some also carry out review of projects from a local perspective (in addition to authorisation by the competent authority) Most have a wider membership with more emphasis on public involvement

Interpreting the tasks: Examples of institutional AWB activities and approaches

a) advising staff on matters relating to welfare…. Provide a forum to consider current practice and incorporate new knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare needs e.g: Initiate and develop institution policies and standards of housing and care e.g. on environmental enrichment, exercise and play for dogs, rabbits, rats Receive reports from animal care staff; identify and resolve problems Review issues such as management of adverse effects, humane killing, transport and acclimatisation

Suggested approaches Set up small groups of staff with relevant expertise to focus on specific issues and report back to the AWB e.g. to look at: best practice in housing a particular species welfare aspects of particular projects such as how to support aged or diabetic animals

Other topics to review... Supply and demand to avoid wastage Noise levels and lighting regimes Methods of identification to ensure least invasive are used Acclimatisation periods Standards of surgery and post-op care Use of positive re-enforcement training Potential to group house instrumented animals Opportunity for cryopreservation and archiving to reduce maintenance of GA animals

b) 3Rs activities Provide a focal point for advice including 3Rs input to project development. Set up individual 3Rs groups to: Review validity of specific animal models Review and refine procedures e.g. that cause severe suffering Develop welfare assessment protocols Set up project or species based 3Rs groups…. Develop global initiatives and oversight procedures Disseminate 3Rs information – newsletters, alerts, websites, 3Rs days, 3Rs prizes Generally challenge preconceptions about how things have always been done!

c) Operational processes Mechanisms vary depending on the size of the establishment and nature and complexity of the work but could include: QA audits SOPs on how compliance issues or welfare concerns are handled and reported Audits of external clients A confidential process for reporting concerns Review of animal monitoring systems and staffing levels System for follow up on inspections by the competent authority

d) Follow the development and outcome of projects AWB can impact positively at all stages   Early planning – can help with 3Rs, ensure necessary facilities, expertise, training   Monitoring work in progress   Retrospective assessment of severity   Retrospective review Some AWBs also review projects prior to formal authorisation by the CA   Provide a local view on harms and benefits

e) Rehoming Must be in the best interests of the animals There should be national and local AWB guidance on rehoming:   Criteria used to assess suitability of animal Veterinary input Health checks Socialisation programme   Identification of new owners   Responsibilities and documentation   Follow up programmes LASA guidance on rehoming

Other tasks where the AWB can contribute

Education and Training Ensure there is a good system of education and training, supervision and assessment of competence in place so that: all training needs are identified and met supervision requirements are fulfilled there is a robust system for assessing competence CPD is provided training and competence records are reliable there are sufficient trainers, supervisors and assessors available staff know who to go to with questions

Fostering a culture of care Definition A culture that demonstrates caring and respectful attitudes and behaviour towards animals and encourages acceptance of responsibility and accountability in all aspects of animal care and use. This will improve animal (and staff) welfare and enhance scientific outcomes

Key factors Commitment, support, leadership from senior management Corporate expectation of high standards Respect for animals & different ethical perspectives Proactive approach to improving standards Clarity of roles and responsibilities Robust framework for training & assessment of competence Good communication processes Acceptance of individual responsibility & accountability Openness & honesty Consistent standards across all sites Willingness to provide sufficient resources

Setting up an efficient AWB

Factors to consider If there is a good ethics committee with a broader remit and wider membership then retain this - incorporate the AWB into the EC rather than replacing the EC Ensure the AWB has authority and support from senior staff Be clear about the aims and objectives Focus on constructive discussion not complex paperwork Ensure all staff understand what the AWB is for, how it operates and what is expected of them Develop good communications between the committee and other staff Implement decisions in a timely manner Re-evaluate its aims, activities and processes at regular intervals

Key competencies Knowledge, understanding and expertise in: animal husbandry, care & welfare each of the 3Rs education & training ethical issues & discussion individual techniques public opinion & perspectives relevant scientific fields statistics & experimental design welfare assessment & humane end-points Personal qualities open-minded, fair & impartial prepared to listen & respond to differing views & not be unnecessarily defensive prepared to ‘think outside the box’ & have the confidence to challenge the status quo having realistic expectations of what can be achieved the time & commitment to take an active role & do it justice Involve more people!

The importance of a ‘lay’ perspective Someone with no ‘stake’ in the work Provides a different perspective Can stimulate improvements by asking simple questions or challenging traditional assumptions Can ask questions staff may feel unwilling to ask in front of others Provides a measure of public input

Two useful resources

National Committees

National Committees - roles and membership Article 49: Each Member State shall establish a National Committee for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes to: Advise the CA and AWBs on acquisition, breeding, accommodation, care, and use of animals and ensure sharing of best practice Exchange information on operation of AWBs and project evaluation and share best practice within the EU No details of membership

UK national committee Defined the scope and terms of reference of the committee Ensures a balance between members with scientific and animal welfare interests Thinking about how and what to communicate between AWBs internally and between the NC and those in other Member States Deciding how to make judgements on what ‘best practice’ is Developing an informative and interactive public face For an example, see committee

Thank you!