The Portuguese Society for Laboratory Animals Sciences (Sociedade Portuguesa de Ciências em Animais de Laboratório - SPCAL) has joined the Transparency Agreement on Animal Research in Portugal. This is an initiative supported by the Portuguese scientific community in collaboration with the European Animal Research Association (EARA) to promote a more consistent approach to communicating the scientific, ethical and moral justifications for animal research in Portugal.

Animal research still plays an essential role in the knowledge of the biological mechanisms that are involved in diseases and in the development of treatments and new therapeutics. Without the use of animals in the biomedical research most of the medicines, antibiotics, vaccines and surgical techniques that are applied in human and veterinary medicine would not exist. 

The welfare of animals used for research purposes is of paramount relevance for us, as is the strict compliance and respect to the current legislation on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, including education due to all involved in research with animals and in the care of those animals. 

SPCAL is not directly responsible for animal research, but accepts that the use of animal models in research is currently still a necessity, and institutions must strive to ensure that the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) are implemented , and that the highest levels of well-being and care are guaranteed.

SPCAL encourages its members to be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to learn more about the role of animals in science and to improve communication and openness, also contributing to this objective in the activities it develops and /or supports.