Dr Matthew Leach

Biography

I undertook a degree in Zoology at the University of Southampton in 1992, which lead to an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare at the the University of Edinburgh in 1995. During this time I developed an interest in animal welfare and behaviour. This initially lead me into research investigating the welfare of captive elephants in the UK. Subsequently, I undertook a PhD in Laboratory Animal Welfare at the University of Birmingham which included research into euthanasia, husbandry and housing of laboratory animals. These research topics have formed the basis of my research career since. At the University of Bristol I undertook projects to develop a welfare benchmarking scheme for laboratory mice, investigate the standard of mouse welfare in the UK and to identify the most critical welfare issues affecting wildlife around the world. I continue to actively participate in these research areas. Since joining the University of Newcastle I have been involved in further research improving the welfare of laboratory and companion animal species. Roles and Responsibilities My research encompasses various aspects of laboratory and companion animal welfare. I lecture on various aspects of animal welfare, companion animal science and project design and statistics. I am also responsible for research project design and statistics, supervision of undergraduate, post-graduate and post-doctoral students. I also provide general guidance and training in research methodology and statistics training. I assist other members of the research group with their research as necessary as well as conducting my own research. I am also involved in preparing grant submissions, drafting research publications, editing and reviewing publications. Qualifications: BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Southampton MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare from the University of Edinburgh PhD in Laboratory Animal Welfare from the University of Birmingham Previous Positions: Post-doctoral Research Associate at the University of Birmingham (2002)
 Post-doctoral Research Associate at the University of Bristol (2002 to 2005) Post-doctoral Research Associate at the University of Newcastle (2005 to 2012) Memberships: Consensus group on Carbon Dioxide Euthanasia of Laboratory Animals Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law Veterinary Association (AWSELVA) Editorial board member for 'Laboratory Animals' journal Ethics committee for the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) Honours and Awards: Significant contribution to the FELASA Animal Welfare Award 2007 Significant contribution to the Charles River Animal Welfare Prize 2012 Languages: English Some German Informal Interests Keeping dogs & cats Dog sledding Mountain Biking Walking Camping Rugby

Research Interest

Developing methods for assessing and alleviating post-procedure pain and distress in a range of animal species, including rodents, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, horses, pigs, sheep and primates. Identifying and implementing novel methods of assessing welfare, pain and distress in animals, particularly laboratory and companion animal species. Identifying, testing and implementing refinements to improve the welfare of a range animal species. The development of educational materials to assist those who carry out procedures on animals in both veterinary practice and in animal-based research to refine the procedures that they carry out improving welfare standards.