Research & Animal Welfare
Our commitment
At Soletech, we are focused on developing practical technologies that improve animal welfare and make animal husbandry safer, more efficient and more sustainable.
We believe that animal welfare should be at the heart of innovation involving animals. We also recognise the responsibility that comes with using animals in research, testing or product development.
Soletech supports responsible and transparent use of animals and is committed to the principles of the ANZCCART Openness Agreement on Animal Use in Research and Teaching in New Zealand.
The Three Rs
Where animals are involved in research or development, we support the internationally recognised Three Rs: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement.
Replacement
Use alternatives to animals wherever a suitable and scientifically valid alternative is available.
Reduction
Where animals are necessary, use the minimum number required to obtain meaningful and useful results.
Refinement
Minimise pain, distress and other adverse effects, and continually look for ways to improve the welfare of animals involved.
For Soletech, these principles are particularly important because our products are designed to be used around animals. Our goal is to develop technologies that can ultimately reduce stress, discomfort and unnecessary harm to animals, rather than simply developing technology for its own sake.
Ethical and responsible development
Soletech recognises the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and the importance of appropriate ethical oversight when animals are involved in research, testing or teaching.
We are not currently conducting animal research. If future research or development activities involve animals, we will ensure that the appropriate ethical and regulatory requirements are met, including obtaining approval from an appropriate Animal Ethics Committee where required.
We believe that good science and good animal welfare should go hand in hand. Where research is necessary, we will seek to ensure that there is a clear purpose and that the potential benefits justify the impacts on the animals involved.
Openness and transparency
Soletech supports openness about the use of animals in research and development.
We have voluntarily signed the ANZCCART Openness Agreement on Animal Use in Research and Teaching in New Zealand because we believe organisations working with animals should be open about what they do, why they do it and the steps they take to protect animal welfare.
We will continue to review and improve our approach as animal welfare knowledge, technology and best practice develop.
Our ultimate aim is simple: to develop better technology that delivers better outcomes for animals and the people who care for them.
Further information
For more information about animal welfare, research ethics and the responsible use of animals, we recommend: