The BC SPCA is opposed to the use of any animal or its tissues for dissection in education. When training animal professionals like veterinarians or technicians, dissections may be appropriate in certain circumstances.
At any educational level, we believe students should not be compelled to perform or watch animal dissection. We support students’ ability to opt out of animal dissection assignments. Alternatives to dissection, such as computer simulations and models, should be available to students.
The BC SPCA encourages developing techniques that result in the replacement, reduction and/or refinement of animal experiments or procedures. We urge governments, universities and other research institutions to make greater efforts to use non-animal alternatives.
Read our full position statements on animals used in science and use of animals in teaching.
