The Second National Conference on "Current Perspectives and Future Challenges in Laboratory Animal Management" was jointly organized by the Laboratory Animal Scientists' Association, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and Veterinary College, Bangalore that was held on December 29-30, 2007 at the J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Prof. R. Manjunath, Convenor, Small Animal Facility, welcomed the guests, dignitaries and the participants. Dr. S.S.Y.H. Qadri, Secretary, LASA gave introductory remarks about the LASA, its objectives, achievements and future plans of LASA. Dr. S. Yathiraj, Dean, Veterinary College, Bangalore, briefed about the golden jubilee celebrations of Bangalore Veterinary College. Dr. R.N. Sreenivasa Gowda, Vice Chancellor, Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences University opened the conference by 'Lighting the lamp' and delivered the 'Inaugural address'. He mentioned that the use of animals for research is a well-established necessity. Hence, health of the animal is major concern to obtain healthy results from the experiment. There is an ever-increasing demand by the animal welfare lobbies to cut down animal experiments and to reduce the number of animals used in experiments. However, the responsibility would lie on the scientific community to evolve methods to reduce the number of animals by using quality animals and refined methodologies in experiments to reduce pain and stress in the animals.
The Chief Guest, Prof. P. Balaram, Director, Indian Institute of Science in his address, explained the difficulty in maintaining the good animal facility and the role of animals in the progress of medicine. He mentioned that the process of developing new drugs and vaccines, testing these drugs on animal is highly essential but these should be tested on animals in most acceptable and most ethical manner as possible. Mr. D. Rajasekar, Secretary, Animal Welfare Board of India, Chennai, released the souvenir and mentioned that as an administrator he understands the importance of science. There is a growing concern for animal welfare in India and all over the world.
Dr. Ramachandra, the Organizing Secretary of the Conference and President, LASA delivered the vote of thanks.