The International Council on Animal Protection at OECD Programmes
Who are they?
The International Council on Animal Protection at OECD Programmes (ICAPO) is a coalition of the major animal protection organisations committed to achieving change in the way chemicals are tested internationally. To find out more please visit their website.
What do they do?
ICAPO seeks to ensure the widest possible integration of alternative methods in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) influential guidelines and programmes. The OECD is an economic alliance of 30 of the world's industrialised countries, co-ordinating the development of standardised chemical testing guidelines which are then adopted by the member countries. The OECD also co-ordinates the development of chemical testing programmes, such as its current programme on endocrine disruptors and nanomaterials
The OECD's testing-related activities historically have relied heavily on animal-based methods. However, since 2002, animal protection has had a formal voice at the OECD in the form of ICAPO. ICAPO works to fully incorporate alternative methods that can replace, reduce, and refine animal use (the "Three Rs") into OECD guidelines, in the interest of animal protection, public health and sound science.
How is the BUAV involved?
The BUAV is a founding member of ICAPO and works as an active member; this is important as the hugely influential OECD prefers to work with a single body that represents animal protection globally.
