The use of animals in research projects at the University of Newcastle dropped last year to its lowest level in three years.
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Research data shows 13,658 animals, including rats, mice, fish, horses and dogs were used for research.
More than 90 per cent of the animals were rats and mice, which were destroyed upon the completion.
The figure compares with 16,371 for 2018, 18,260 for 2017 and 13,212 for 2016.
While opponents, such as the Newcastle-based Save Animals in Laboratories continue to lobby for an end to the use of animals in research projects, researchers argue animal-based research has led to invaluable breakthroughs in the treatment of disease, addiction and illness.
Many of the research projects conducted by the University of Newcastle involve the collection of samples from animals such as urine, faeces and blood.
Once collected the animals continue to live in their natural environment.
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The university says it is committed to the principles of 'reduce, refine and replace'.
This involves collaboration between laboratory-based researchers and mathematical modellers to help improve the overall design of studies, so that only the minimum numbers of animals required are used to produce relevant, high-quality and representative data.
Advanced computer modelling and mathematical algorithms are also used to detect patterns and predict outcomes, which can lead to the use of fewer animals.
Research involving animals is overseen by an Animal Care and Ethics Committee - an independent body which oversees the care and welfare of animals.
It is made up of community members, animal welfare representatives, veterinary scientists and academics.
All research involving animals must be conducted in accordance with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
The RSPCA remains opposed to the use of animals in experiments or procedures that cause "pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm".
This includes inducing fear, hunger, boredom, social isolation.
The RSPCA is also opposed to the use of animals in the testing of non-essential substances such as cosmetics, tobacco, alcohol and household products.
New legislation prohibiting the use of animals in the testing of some types of cosmetic ingredients came into effect this month.
PeTA Australia said community support for research involving animals was dwindling.
"Australia maintains no national compilation of animal use statistics. Even at the state and territory level, there are sometimes long delays in reporting the use of animals," the group said.
Humane Research Australia estimates that around 6 million animals are used for experiments and teaching in Australia every year.
More than 25,000 of them were subjected to experiments with "death as an endpoint", in which the animals were purposely killed during the experiment, not euthanised later.
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