What does RDS mean in VETERINARY

The Research Defence Society (RDS) is a UK based charity dedicated to improving public understanding of animal research, helping society make informed decisions about its use. We provide authoritative information on the science and ethics, so the public can understand why and how animals are used in research.

RDS works to ensure that decision-making on animal research is well informed and informed by the latest evidence. Our team of scientists, ethicists, policy experts and communications professionals strive to raise awareness of the importance of animal research within industry and academia, as well as amongst politicians and influencers.

By joining our membership scheme you have access to exclusive events and webinars; stay up-to-date with our regular newsletters; read our Research Reports and learn more through content specialists' articles — all while you help maintain our independence from corporate or special interests. You can also share your story about how animal research has made a difference in your life — find out more at http://www.rds-org.uk/getinvolved/.

It means that we are not affiliated with any corporate or special interest groups who may seek to influence how we manage or communicate our work on animal research. This allows us freedom from external pressures when advocating for potential changes to policies surrounding animal research.

No, RDS does not conduct any form of animal testing itself — that is carried out by independent laboratories around the world in accordance with stringent government regulations aimed at ensuring high standards of welfare for laboratory animals.

Animal tests are often seen as a last resort only after opportunities to avoid them have been fully explored, including investigating purposeful alternatives such as computers models or cells grown in lab settings. On rare occasions there may be no alternative but to use animals if safety tests are required for drugs which will then go onto be used by humans - this is done solely for medical progressions sake.

At RDS we believe that if animals are needed to advance medical progress then they must be treated humanely according their legal rights protected under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Amendment Regulations 2012). To ensure high standards of welfare we work closely with researchers, funders, institutional organisations, advocates and other stakeholders who are actively engaged in promoting better care for laboratory animals.

We recommend finding labs localised near you who share similar ethical views on responsible behaviour when conducting experiments involving animals — chances are they will have resources available providing advice on best practices when conducting these types of studies.

Yes! Our website offers detailed information on how to carry out ethical practices when using animals such as guidance documents for researchers using different model systems as well as general guidelines for best practice such as providing sufficient enrichment toys to reduce stress levels during experiments.