An essay on animal cruelty in science published in the July Monthly has been commended by the judges in the 2011 Voiceless Media Prize for furthering debate on animal welfare via print and online journalism.

Gail Bell’s “In the Rat Room: Reflections on the Breeding House” received a special commendation for exploring the treatment of animals in testing environments.

The judges said Bell’s piece “Used the author’s own experience working as a laboratory assistant to reflect on the cruelty of vivisection, and explain her own journey to come to terms with the harsh realities of laboratory practices.”

The chairman of the judging panel, J M Coetzee, said the piece was “Well written, original and creative”.

Over 120 nominations were received from across Australia for the Voiceless Media Prizes, now in their third year.