Elanco Australia Animal Care and Use

The research, development and regulatory approval of animal health products requires testing in research animals to assure optimal outcomes for all animals. Upholding our ethical and scientific obligations in discovering innovative animal health solutions, our animal welfare specialists work alongside farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, nutritionists, pet owners and researchers to promote leading animal care practices and responsible use of our products — helping ensure the best possible well-being for each animal.

We use animals only when necessary, always ensuring there is ethical and scientific justification, with all work approved and overseen by an independent Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). Our animals are monitored and cared for by veterinarians, veterinary nurses and qualified animal attendants and technicians.

While advancements in scientific methods have reduced the need for animal research, some work remains necessary. There are legal requirements that all medicines approved for humans or animals must be tested for their safety.  Elanco’s animal welfare standards meet or exceed local, national and international laws and regulations.

We believe that following the 3Rs is the best and most reliable way to ensure that alternatives to animals are used wherever possible, and that our research is carried out with care and respect for our animals. We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to show our products work and meet safety requirements using non-animal models and data. We also believe that updating and changing regulations is critical.

Elanco is honoured to be an inaugural signatory to The Australian Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia, a pledge which demonstrates our dedication to greater transparency in the use of animals in research.

Our Pledge to Openness 

At Elanco, we are honoured to be an inaugural signatory to The Australian Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia. 

The Openness Agreement is a voluntary pledge to greater transparency in the use of animals in research. Developed by a working group assembled by the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCARRT), it is based on the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK, which also forms the basis of similar agreements in several other countries around the world. 

We believe the public expect greater transparency from research organisations, and we aim to help build greater understanding of animal research among Australians. Our commitment to the Openness Agreement in Australia will allow us to continue to contribute to advancements in optimal animal health, while safeguarding the welfare of animals in research.

Our Commitment to Animal Welfare and Well-being

Respect for animals is an individual responsibility of everyone at Elanco. Our trained and dedicated employees passionately care for our research animals, providing socialisation training and enriched environments.

We align with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) objective to achieve ‘a world where the welfare of animals is respected, promoted and advanced in ways that complement the pursuit of animal health, human wellbeing, socioeconomic development and environmental sustainability.’ 

At Elanco, research is always undertaken ethically, with integrity and respect for our animals. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the guiding principles of animal research, the 3Rs - Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. The 3Rs are fundamental, globally recognised guidelines for the ethical, humane and responsible care of animals involved in research.

Our dedicated 3Rs committee assists our scientists in implementation, training and study design refinements that incorporate these guidelines.

Elanco's standards of animal care and welfare always meet, and often exceed those required by applicable local, national, or international laws and regulations. All animals involved in our research are treated respectfully and humanely. 

Our Global Animal Welfare Policy supports our dedication to quality animal care, and our commitment to the 3Rs of animal use in research. Our dedicated animal welfare teams work under robust guidelines, principles, and procedures to uphold high standards of care.  

Our employees care passionately about our animals. They provide enriched environments for the animals and apply the five domains of animal welfare - Nutrition, Environment, Health, Behaviour and Mental State.

Additionally, we require contract research organisations (CROs) we work with to comply with our policies and uphold our own high standards of animal welfare, which we monitor through regular animal welfare assessments.

Our Compliance with Regulations and Standards

The use of animals for research is bound by strict regulations, including state legislation and the Australian Code for the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 8th Edition (2013)

Researchers at Elanco follow this code, which details the specific responsibilities of investigators, animal caregivers, institutions, and ethics committees to ensure that the care and use of animals for scientific purposes is ethically justified. The Code provides a clear framework to assess whether the potential effects on the wellbeing of animals are balanced by the anticipated benefits to advancements in animal health science.

Under this code we apply the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs) at all stages of animal care and use. We ensure that all researchers working with animals have access to veterinary support to meet the requirements of the code.

Our animal research undergoes thorough ethical consideration and review and is always conducted in accordance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, the Animal Research Act 1985 (NSW), and the Animal Research Regulation 2021 (NSW).

We are proudly AAALAC* accredited demonstrating a commitment to setting, achieving and maintaining high standards for animal care and use and our ongoing commitment to animal welfare in science.

^{*AAALAC International enhances the welfare of animals used in science and education by accrediting organizations that meet high standards of humane and responsible animal care and use. AAALAC's voluntary accreditation process requires research programs to demonstrate that they meet the minimum standards required by law and are also going the extra step to achieve excellence in animal care and use. To find out more information see https://www.aaalac.org/}

Ethical Review of our Animal Use

Elanco’s Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) plays a crucial role in ensuring the ethical use of our animals in research. It verifies that any research proposed which includes the use of animals is justified, considering the scientific or educational benefits and the welfare of the animals. The AEC meets all the requirements set by the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and the Animal Research Act.

Before any research is undertaken, an application must be submitted, reviewed, and approved by the AEC, in line with Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and the Animal Research Act. Every animal study is thoroughly evaluated to ensure the study is necessary, the fewest number of animals are used and that all efforts are made for optimal animal wellbeing.

What does life look like for our animals after our research?

At the heart of our mission is the successful rehoming of our animals which remains our unwavering focus. 

Elanco is committed to the lifelong welfare of our animals and has proudly managed its rehoming program for our companion and farm animals for more than 20 years. We take pride in having successfully rehomed all our retired dogs and cats into forever homes across multiple states.

Elanco's programs are meticulously designed to achieve rehoming success, supported by robust rehoming pathways that prioritise the well-being and happiness of each animal in our care.

Our dedicated animal care technicians and veterinarians play a pivotal role in this endeavour. Our animal carers spend significant time nurturing and caring for our companion animals, and ensure they transition smoothly into their new lives. Their efforts are rewarded and fulfilled by the joy of seeing our retired service animals happily living their retired lives in their new homes with loving families.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Elanco, we are committed to the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical research practices. Please download our Animal Care & Use FAQs to find answers to common questions about why and how we use animals in research, the types of animals involved, and the rigorous ethical standards we adhere to. Our goal is to ensure transparency and provide you with a clear understanding of our dedication to animal care and the development of safe, effective products.

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