NSW animal use in research statistics

In NSW, information on the use of animals in research is collected by accredited research establishments on a calendar year basis. It is a requirement under the Animal Research Act 1985 that this information is submitted to the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (the department) by 31 March of the following year.

Establishments are required to submit data on:

• numbers of times animals were used for research and teaching in the reporting year
• purpose of the research and the types of procedures involved (See Guide to reporting categories for further information)
• fate of domestic dogs and cats used in research
• numbers of domestic dogs and cats kept for research and rehomed
• lethality testing
• implementation of the 3Rs.

See Licensing forms - Form L for further information on how this information is submitted.

The information is collated and published annually. Collation and reporting of data by the department are reliant on the information provided by accredited research establishments. The accuracy of the information supplied is the responsibility of the reporting establishment.

Data provided here are quantitative in nature. Accredited research establishments also report qualitative data annually to the department on the 3Rs: replacement, reduction and refinement. The Animal Research Review Panel review 3Rs qualitative data reported to the department by accredited research establishments and provide individual feedback to establishments on these reports. For further information see Animal Ethics Infolink: 3Rs.

From the 2024 reporting period onwards, the department will publish the statistics on the following Infolink pages.