About the event
We convened a session at the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) international congress. Speakers described how people with different roles – including designated veterinarians, animal technicians, regulators, Animal Welfare Body (AWB) members and others – can work together to reduce, and ideally end, severe suffering.
Summary
Any level of suffering is obviously a concern for everyone, but severe suffering is of greatest concern; there is widespread support for working to end severe suffering within the scientific community. This session considered how good communication between people with different roles can help people to work together effectively to reduce - or ideally, end - severe suffering. We heard the experiences and insights of people associated with the roles of designated veterinarian, animal technician, regulator, Animal Welfare Body (AWB) member and others, all of whom brought complementary expertise and perspectives.
The session ended with an opportunity for discussion to share ideas to help achieve this important goal.