Australia's guidelines for animal research are under review for the first time in a decade, with significant considerations emerging regarding animal sentience, the classification of crustaceans as animals, and the rehoming of laboratory animals. Each year, over 845,000 animals, including mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and primates, are used in Australian laboratories, according to data from Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. Globally, an estimated 192 million animals are involved in research.
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The National Health and Medical Research Council's code currently governs these practices, mandating that researchers minimize animal suffering and that ethics committees evaluate the harms versus benefits of proposed studies. Bella Lear, CEO of Understanding Animal Research Oceania, noted that significant changes in policy and scientific understanding, particularly following Covid-19, call for updated guidance. Lear emphasized the importance of collecting comprehensive animal usage data under this code, as Australia lacks nationwide statistics.
The RSPCA highlighted key priorities in the review, such as acknowledging animal sentience, including crustaceans—currently not classified as animals—within the code, and enhancing support for non-animal research alternatives. Cephalopods were included in the definition of “animal” in the seventh edition of the code, published in 2004, along with various other species.
Prof. Christine Parker from the University of Melbourne pointed out a growing consensus in both scientific and public circles regarding animal sentience, paralleling legal advancements in countries like New Zealand and the UK. She underscored the necessity to align animal care standards with our evolving understanding of sentience, suffering, and well-being.
Critics argue that the existing code relies heavily on self-regulation by researchers and lacks adequate external oversight. They emphasize that government inspections of research facilities predominantly occur in response to cruelty complaints, which are rare due to the often-hidden nature of laboratory research, leading to potential conflicts of interest.
Animal Free Science Advocacy is advocating for stricter prohibitions on primate experimentation and high-harm procedures that result in severe distress. They also aim to eliminate the use of animals in educational settings, especially in high schools. Chief Executive Rachel Smith called for stricter regulations requiring surgeries to be performed solely by veterinarians, aligning standards expected in veterinary clinics for pets.
The code was first established in 1969, with its last major update occurring in 2013, aside from minor additions such as a section on cosmetic testing in 2021. The review process is currently open for public feedback until February 16, with further consultations on a revised draft anticipated later in 2026.