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MEDIA RELEASE
10 JUNE 2008
BRISBANE BANS USE OF POUND DOGS FOR
RESEARCH AND TEACHING
The Australian Association for Humane Research Inc. is pleased to learn that Brisbane City
Council has agreed to cease the provision of pound animals to Queensland University for
research and teaching purposes.
Chief Executive Officer, Helen Rosser, said today
“We congratulate Brisbane Council on
making such a progressive decision. Abandoned animals in pounds and shelters have
already suffered the fear and distress of losing their carers and familiar territory. Their use in
research is the ultimate betrayal and one that cannot be condoned in a caring society.”
The dogs are used for training veterinary students, however students can gain hands-on
experience by assisting with and performing supervised surgeries in private veterinary
practices on patients in genuine need of assistance – as is practiced in UK veterinary colleges
and how human doctors learn in teaching hospitals.
“Students can become compassionate and competent veterinarians without having to kill
those they are training to protect. They can gain valuable experience operating under strict
supervision on animals who will actually benefit from the surgery. This way they will also gain
experience in observing and monitoring post-operative recovery which is one of the major
components of health care.”
Logan and Caboolture Councils continue to provide their pound animals to Queensland
University and it is hoped that this precedent will convince them to reconsider their policies in
this regard.
“Suggesting that they will die anyway is a callous and unacceptable excuse. It is creating a
dependence on pet overpopulation/homelessness rather than addressing the real problem of
why they are in that situation in the first place.” Ms Rosser concluded.
For further information about the Australian Association for Humane Research Inc. contact:
Helen Rosser, Chief Executive Officer
Ph. 03 9832 0752 or email helenrosser@aahr.org.au
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