Peter Goering, PhD, ATS, SOT President 2015–16
The Society of Toxicology values the collaborative impact of its memberships in other organizations that are aligned with the goals of our Society. A valued partner is the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) that provides the unified voice for the scientific community on legislative and regulatory matters affecting laboratory animal research. The SOT not only supports the responsible use of animals in research but also recognizes the importance of the development and use of alternative approaches and methods to animals.
Currently, research involving laboratory animals is necessary to ensure and enhance human and animal health. An ongoing challenge to the use of these models is the restrictive practices that airline companies have assumed regarding the transport of animals due to the pressures of animal rights campaigns. To keep you informed and provide you with an opportunity to take action regarding this issue, please refer to an excerpt from the message NABR Executive Vice President Matthew R. Bailey recently sent to SOT.
“As you will see at the following link, NABR has produced a transportation page listing all of the publicly available statements of support we know to exist. We are specifically urging universities to publish language and send us the link to be added to this list, although all institutions are encouraged to do the same. This list will be important as we are scheduling face-to-face meetings with airlines, some of whom have expressed an interest in re-opening their doors for lab animal shipment. Showing that there are many US institutions that care enough about this issue to publish a statement will be key to demonstrating value.” The SOT Statement is included in this listing as well as posted to the SOT website.