By XAVIER SMERDON
UP TO 80 laboratory rats and mice could be killed at a university’s Werribee campus following the cancellation of several courses.
Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and Research Training at Victoria University, Professor Warren Payne, confirmed last week that the animals could be euthanized as the animal studies and veterinary nursing courses at the Werribee campus would be phased out by the end of this year.
“For the purpose of providing hands-on practical training to our students, animals have been kept at the Werribee campus,” Prof Payne said.
“With discontinuation of these courses, arrangements are being made to place as many of the animals as possible with suitable organisations and members of the local community.
“The University will make every effort to relocate the laboratory animals, such as mice and rats, to other projects within the University, however, where this is not possible these animals will be humanely euthanized.”
Professor Payne said no animals had been euthanized yet and he could not put a number on how many could potentially be put down.
“It is difficult to estimate how many at this point in time as we are still endeavouring to find alternative solutions. The facility currently holds around 80 rats and mice,” he said.
“Only laboratory animals will be euthanized and only if there is no alternative.”
Professor Payne said any animals that are put down will be done so in a way that complies with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
