What does the NCad do?

We are committed to protecting the welfare of laboratory animals by carrying out the following activities:

• We provide advice to the minister and state secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, the Central Authority for Scientific Procedures on Animals, and animal welfare bodies. We also provide advice to staff who oversee the welfare and care of laboratory animals, such as researchers and animal handlers. Our advice covers matters such as the acquisition, breeding, housing, care and use of animals in animal experiments.
• We organise meetings to share knowledge on the 3Rs of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experiments, including possible alternatives to animal experiments.
• We explore suitable alternatives to animal experiments.
• We share information with other National Committees that advise on animal experiments within Europe.
• We share best practices in the field of animal experiments within the Netherlands and the EU.
• We promote the development, adoption and use of non-animal alternatives.
• We combine information from various fields of knowledge in national and international working groups.
• We bring together experts on animal experiments and experts in the field of non-animal alternatives.
• We inform the public about animal experiments and potential non-animal alternatives.

To manage all activities the committee is supported by the NCad support office staff. This staff consists of three senior advisors (Leane van Weereld, Shalenie den Braver-Sewradj and Sven Akkerman), and general secretary Michiel van Butselaar.