/
Animal Ethics Committee Form
/ /AEC
APPLICATION
LAB BASED RESEARCH
Registration. No. 019
Before completing this application please refer to the Australian code for the care
and use of animals for scientific purposes* (Code). ‘Applicants’ are staff or
students of the University. ‘Responsible Investigators’ are Griffith staff who
conduct, or supervise, a project on or off campus, in accordance with; AEC approval,
the Code, the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001,** other relevant Commonwealth
and State legislation and reporting to the AEC as required. A ‘Contact’ person can
be nominated to correspond with the AEC. Submit one copy by email attachment to
the AEC Secretary at: animal-ethics@Griffith.edu.au, with signature pages scanned
and emailed. The University is registered to use live animals for scientific purposes
including teaching.** The operations of the AEC ensure that the University complies
with the Code* at all times. If a project is conducted by Griffith University staff or
students at another institution independent approvals from each AEC must be
obtained.
AEC approved Standard Operating Procedures are available at
http://www.griffith.edu.au/research/research-services/research-ethicsintegrity/animal/standard-operating-procedures
Effective alternatives to using live animals must be considered. All use of animals
for any purpose must be justified. Investigators have personal responsibility for all
matters related to the welfare of the animals they use and must act in accordance
with all requirements of the Code.* This responsibility begins when an animal is
allocated to a project and ends with its fate at the completion of the project.
Investigators have an obligation to treat animals with respect and to consider their
welfare when planning and conducting projects. Annual reporting is a requirement of
the Code*. Student Ethical Guidelines p15.
To vary or report on a project visit: http://www.griffith.edu.au/research/researchservices/research-ethics-integrity/animal/applications-and-inquiries
2015 SUBMISSION DEADLINES:
23 Jan
20 Feb
20 March
24 April
22 May
3 July
31 July
4 Sept
9 Oct
13 Nov
*The Code is available as a PDF at http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/ea28
**Queensland DAFF administers Griffith University registration and a very useful website at
http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/animal-industries/welfare-and-ethics
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Animal Ethics Committee Form
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APPLICATION
LAB BASED RESEARCH
Registration. No. 019
Project Title
Griffith Centre/School
Responsible Investigators/Supervisors
 add an asterisk (*) by the title of the contact person(s)
 add a caret (^) by the title of the Griffith Responsible Investigator who has ultimate responsibility
for the care and use of animals in this project^
Title
Family Name
Given Name
Qualifications
(Eg. BSc(Hons)PhD)
Employer
Other Investigators (Research Assistants & Postgraduate Students)
Title
Family Name
Given Name
Qualifications
(Eg. BSc(Hons)PhD)
Employer
Project Duration
≤ 3 yrs (Maximum)
From:
To:
Funding Sources
Source:
Grant approval #:
(Check box if outcome of funding application is
not yet known)
Animal Ethics Approved by another AEC? No
Pending
(If no, or pending, please go to 1.0)
Yes
If Yes, please provide AEC name ………………………………………………………………………
No animals will be in Griffith Animal Facilities
Do not complete this form. Please complete the Previously
Reviewed Research form available at: http://www.griffith.edu.au/research/research-services/research-ethicsintegrity/animal/animal-ethics-committee-form
GU AEC Use
Approved from
 As submitted
/
/
to
/
 After modification
/
Assessment Date
/
/
 After resubmission
Chairperson Griffith University AEC: ……………………………………………..
Date
 Rejected
/
/
^ The Code requires a person to be identified who has ultimate responsibility for the care and use of animals in a project. This
person must:
(i) ensure that all people involved in the project understand and accept their roles and responsibilities
(ii) ensure that procedures and resources are in place so that all people involved in the care and use of animals in the project can
meet their responsibilities, including their education, training and supervision, as appropriate
(iii) be competent with respect to the wellbeing of animals used in the project.
This person does not relieve the individual responsibility of each investigator working with animals in the project.
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1.0
PROJECT CLASSIFICATION
1.1
PROJECT PURPOSE
1.1.1
Primary purpose?
(Check one box)
Maintenance and
Achievement of education
improvement of human or
outcomes in science
animal health and welfare
Understanding of human or
animal biology
1.1.2
SUBJECT AREA
1.2.1
Primary subject?
Behaviour
Cell Biology
Molecular biology
Pharmacology
Other (please specify)
1.3
Improvement of animal
management or production
Social relevance or significance?
Conservation/Environment
Veterinary Science
Medical Science
Other (please specify)
1.2
Understanding, maintenance or
improvement of the natural
environment
(Check one box)
Biochemistry
Clinical sciences
Genetics/gene manipulation
Nutrition
Physiology
Basic Biology
Biomaterials
Drug development
Immunology
Neurobiology
Toxicology
PROJECT CATEGORY
The Categories below describe various types of procedures carried out on Animals
Description
Examples
1
Observation Involving Minor Interference
Animals are not interacted with or, where there
is interaction, it would not be expected to
compromise the animal's welfare any more than
normal handling, feeding, etc. There is no pain or
suffering involved.
 Observational study only
 Breeding animals for supply, where only
normal husbandry procedures are used
 Breeding or reproductive study with no
detriment to the animal
 Feeding trial, such as Digestible Energy
determination of feed in a balanced diet
 Behavioural study with minor environmental
manipulation
 Teaching of normal, non‐invasive husbandry
such as handling and grooming
2
Animal Unconscious Without Recovery
Animal is rendered unconscious under controlled
circumstances (i.e. not in a field situation) with as
little pain or distress as possible. Capture
methods are not required. Any pain is minor
and brief and does not require
analgesia. Procedures are carried out on the
unconscious animal which is then killed
without regaining consciousness.
 No experiments of living animals eg
animals killed painlessly for dissection,
biochemical analysis, tissue studies, etc
 Collecting blood or plasma from anaesthetised dogs
prior to euthanasia
 Teaching surgical techniques on live,
anaesthetised patients which are not
allowed to recover following the procedure
3
Minor Conscious Intervention without
Anaesthesia
Animal is subjected to minor procedures that
would normally not require anaesthesia or
 Injections (not vaccination trials), blood sampling
in conscious animal
 Minor dietary or environmental deprivation
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analgesia. Any pain is minor and analgesia
usually unnecessary, although some distress
may occur as a result of trapping or handling.
or manipulation, such as feeding nutrient‐
deficient diets for short periods
 Trapping and release as used in species
impact studies etc
 Trapping and humane euthanasia for
collection of specimens
 Stomach tubing, branding, dehorning young
animals, shearing
4
Minor Operative Procedures With Recovery
The animal may be rendered unconscious with
as little pain or distress as possible. A minor
procedure such as cannulation or skin biopsy
is carried out and the animal allowed to
recover. Depending on the procedure, pain
may be minor or moderate and post‐operative
analgesia may be appropriate.
Field capture using chemical restraint methods is
also included here.
 Biopsies
 Cannulations (minor)
 Sedation/anaesthesia for relocation,
examination or injections/blood sampling
5
Surgery With Recovery
Animal may be rendered unconscious with as
little pain or distress as possible. A major
procedure such as abdominal or orthopaedic
surgery is carried out and the animal allowed
to recover.
Post-operative pain is usually considerable and
at a level requiring analgesia.






Orthopaedic surgery
Abdominal or thoracic surgery
Transplant surgery
Cannulations (major)
Mulesing, castration without anaesthesia
Other major surgeries
6
Minor Physiological Challenge
Animal remains conscious for some or all of
the procedure. There is interference with the
animal's physiological or psychological
processes. The challenge may cause only a small
degree of pain/distress or any pain/distress is
quickly and effectively alleviated.

Minor infection, minor or moderate phenotypic
modification, early oncogenesis
Arthritis studies with pain alleviation
Prolonged deficient diets, induction of metabolic
disease
Polyclonal antibody production
Antiserum production
Vaccination trails
7
Major Physiological Challenge
Animal remains conscious for some or all of the
procedure. There is interference with the
animal's physiological or psychological
processes. The challenge causes a moderate or
large degree of pain/distress which is not quickly
or effectively alleviated.
 Major infection, major phenotypic modification,
oncogenesis without pain alleviation
 Arthritis studies with no pain alleviation
 Uncontrolled metabolic disease
 Isolation or environmental deprivation for
extended periods
 Total body irradiation and reconstitution
 Monoclonal antibody raising in mice
8
Death As An Endpoint
This category only applies in those rare cases
where the death of the animal is a planned part
of the procedures.
 Where predictive signs of death have been
determined and euthanasia is carried out
before significant suffering occurs, they may
be placed in category 6 or 7.
 Lethality testing (including LD50, LC50)
 Toxicity testing with death as a planned end-point
without euthanasia
 Dose rate studies for feral animal control; or
 Disease studies in which it is planned that animals
will die





Death as an end point does not include:
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9
 It does not include: death by natural causes;
animals which are euthanased as part of the
project; animals which are euthanased if
something goes wrong; animals euthanased
for dissection or for use as museum
specimens; or accidental deaths.
 Death by natural causes (incidental to the scientific
use)
 Animals which are euthanased on completion of the
project
 Animals which are euthanased as a result of an
unexpected adverse event
 Animals euthanased for dissection or for use as
museum voucher specimens
 Accidental deaths
Production of Genetically Modified Animals
This category is intended to allow for the variety
of procedures which occur during the
production of genetically modified animals. As
animals in this category may be subjected to
both minor and major physiological challenges
and surgical procedures, this category reflects
the varied nature of the procedures carried out.
It effectively includes ALL animals used in GM
production other than the final progeny which
are used in a different category of procedure.
 Initial breeding of animals used for GM production
including vasectomised males, donor and recipient
females
 Breeding and maintenance of GM colonies
 Animals culled as part of the GM production
process
In the boxes below, check the highest appropriate numerical code (1-9) from those listed above to describe the types
of procedures carried out on the animals in the project. The descriptions given are a guide only. Note: where different
animals within the same project are subject to different procedure categories, please list these in the box below.
Where ‘death as an endpoint’ or ‘production of genetically modified animals’ applies, animals must be placed in these
categories (8 or 9) rather than any others which may also appear appropriate.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
2.0
PROJECT AIM AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS
2.1
Acronyms and glossary
It is important that all AEC members are provided with sufficient information to complete an assessment of
the proposal. To allow this, ensure that where the use of scientific language is deemed unavoidable, it is
supported by a suitable lay description or included in the below glossary of terms.
Word
2.2
Lay explanation
State the scientific or educational aims clearly and if appropriate, include an outline of how the project relates
to an overall program of work if applicable. Avoid the use of technical language (to assist the comprehension
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of our expert but lay members). Please limit your response to 250 words. Include any essential reference
citations here or at 4.0 (Protocol). Attach copies of all essential papers for reading by the Committee.
2.3
Please describe the potential benefits of the outcomes, and the evidence that supports the use of animals. If
this application relates to a teaching activity, justification must include an outline of how the attainment of
educational outcomes will be assessed, including, as applicable, national educational outcomes, required
Vocational Education and Training (VET) package competency achievements, endorsed program outcomes
and other curriculum-related outcomes.
2.4
Please provide information to support the case of ethical acceptability of the proposed use of animals, based
on whether such use demonstrates the principles of the Code, and balancing whether the potential effects on
the wellbeing of the animals involved is justified by the potential benefits.
Particular justification is needed for actives that involve:
a) severe compromise to animal wellbeing, and for which Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the
3Rs) cannot be fully applied for the project to proceed, including:
i. unrelieved pain and distress, including where the planned endpoints will allow severe
adverse effects to occur
ii. death as the endpoint
iii. reuse and repeated use of animals
iv. prolonged restraint or confinement
b) use of non-human primates
3.0
ANIMALS REQUESTED
3.1
Please provide details of why the use of animals is essential to achieve all the stated aims. Provide details of
the potential alternatives that are available to replace the use of animals in all or part of the project and why
these alternatives are not suitable.
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3.2
If requesting animal tissue or other biological material only, can this be obtained from humanely killed animals
used for other projects?
NO
YES
with AEC protocol number
/
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3.3
If animals will be humanely killed, is there the opportunity to share tissues and other biological material?
NO
YES
3.4
Please provide a justification for use of the selected species, strain or breed.
3.5
Animals Requested
Species
Strain
Common Name
Number of
animals
requested (over
the entire
project)
Source
Any health issues
known for this
strain? What is
the expected
attrition rate?
* Ensure to provide an animal monitoring sheet and, if applicable, a welfare assessment score and judgment
sheet tailored appropriately for use during the project. Appendices 4, 5 and 6 of the Department of Primary
Industries, Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Laboratory Mice, Rats, Guinea Pigs and Rabbits
provide good examples, however these must be adapted to the specifics of individual projects. Information
regarding how the wellbeing of animals will be monitored and assessed throughout the project, the frequency
of monitoring and assessment, the actions to be taken if problems are identified, and the criteria for
intervention points and humane endpoints must be included.
3.6
Provide a justification for the numbers of animals requested including evidence that the numbers are
minimal, but statistically robust to achieve the aims of the research. Where appropriate, information must
be provided on:
a) experimental design and statistical considerations.
b) for teaching projects, the ratio of students to animals, and the number of times that each animal
will be used in each class, and/or handled per day and/or per week.
3.7
Have you completed the free short course on experimental design for research scientists working with
laboratory animals? (available at: http://www.3rs-reduction.co.uk/). Although completion is not essential, it
is encouraged.
YES
NO
3.8
List all study personnel who are blinded, or not blinded below. For all people who are not blinded, please
provide a short explain of why not.
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3.9
Is randomisation being used as a method of experimental control? Please describe why/why not.
3.10
Please provide a clear description of the steps taken to consider and apply the 3Rs. (See Clauses 1.18 –
1.30 of the Code).
4.0
PROTOCOL
Insert a separate page headed ‘4.0 PROTOCOL’ with a detailed but concise description of experimental
protocol(s) and how they relate to the aims listed in Section 2.2. Please refer to Clause 2.7.4 of the Code to
ensure that you provide all the required information. Include and fully cite essential references.
Ensure this section includes:
Details (sequentially) of what happens to the animal(s) from the time you obtain them until the time the
project is completed. A flow chart or sequence of events table may assist in making this information clear.
Identify all factors and procedures that may have an impact on an animal’s wellbeing. This may include
handling, husbandry, housing etc as well as specific experimental procedures (Refer to the CHECKLIST
(pg. 9 and 10) to ensure all details have been considered).
Identify known and potential causes of adverse impacts on the wellbeing of an animal and how such
impacts will be avoided or minimised. Experimental and non-experimental factors must be addressed.
Provide details on treatment substances, dose rates, routes of administration, anaesthetic and analgesic
regimes etc. If applicable. (Refer to the CHECKLIST (pg. 9 and 10) to ensure all details have been
considered).
Where applicable, include information on procedures that apply to breeding programs that are integral to a
project (such as the creation of a new line of animals, including genetically modified or cloned animals or
that are integral to the maintenance of a line of animals in a facility.
Include a table showing the numbers of animals to be used in treatments (and controls).
5.0
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
5.1
How long will individual animals be held and/or subjected to experimental manipulations?
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5.2
How long will animals be held after they recover from experimental procedures?
5.3
Is this a repetition of a previous experiment? If yes, please justify the repetition of this experiment.
5.4
Have, or will, any of the animals be used in other experiments?
If yes, please give AEC protocol number (if known) and justify their use in this project.
5.5
Does this project involve experimental studies of un-anaesthetised animals which may cause pain or
distress and where analgesia will not be used? If yes, state and justify the end point for the experiment
and indicate measures to be taken to minimise pain and distress.
5.6
Does this experiment pose any health risk to staff or other animals?
If yes, how will this health risk be minimised?
5.7
Does this proposal raise any other ethical concerns? If yes, please elaborate.
6.0 FATE OF ANIMALS
6.1
What will happen to animals at the completion of the project? If the animals will be humanely killed, how will
this be done?
6.2
Will animals be humanely killed in the presence of other animals? If yes, please justify the process:
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7.0
SUPERVISION OF EXPERIMENTS AND CARE OF ANIMALS
7.1
List the qualifications and experience of all personnel who will be participating in the animal components of the project. Detail whether the experience is with
the species being used, as well as whether the experience is with the procedures being undertaken.
Please note that any future change to the list of people involved in the project and/or their details requires AEC approval of the amendment
List the roles of all members
of the team (responsible
investigators, associate
investigators, students
[specify
PhD/Masters/Honours/under
graduate], animal facility
supervisor and other team
members)
Name and
qualifications
List each procedure
the person may
perform in the
project include also
the monitoring and
maintenance of
animals
Relevant experience
(include number of years) in
procedures to be
undertaken and the species
being used (if no
experience, describe how
relevant experience will be
obtained)
Do you assure the AEC that
this person is competent to
perform each listed
procedure or will be
supervised by a competent
person? (Y/N)
Telephone numbers
(work and home)
(Add or remove rows
as appropriate)
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Proposed Analgesic
Proposed analgesic (pain relief) (dose rate
and regime)
7.3
Experimental / Collecting Locations
Specify intended Animal Housing Facilities
to be used for housing and procedures.
(Animal housing facilities are approved by the AEC and inspected annually.)
7.4
Laboratory Animal Source (Select and check) Animals must be ordered through Animal Facility Supervisor
Commercially available tissue or biological
material only or other AEC Approved
Yes
No
Project.
(Details……………………. )
A commercial supplier approved by Griffith
University?
Will University Staff be requested to
maintain a breeding colony for this project?
7.5
In bred
Yes
(Details…………………….
)
Out bred
(Details…………………….
)
Other
Animal Housing Requirements. (Select and check)
Micro environment
Macro environment
Animal marking
and genotyping
methods
Housing
Cage type
Bedding
Feeding
Watering
Group
Conventional
Normal
Normal
Normal
Temperature
Humidity
Containment
Ear clip + gel
analgesic (AEC
preferred)
Ambient
Ambient
Normal
YES
Individual
IVC
Special
Special diet
Supplemented
Micro-isolator
Special regime
Special regime
Other (Details…………………….)
Other (Details…………………….)
SPF
Other
7.6
What environmental enrichment will be provided for these animals?
7.7
Technical /Training Requests
Justify methods at 4.0 (Protocol)
(Select and check)
Will Staff be requested to perform technical work
on animals in addition to routine husbandry?
Will Staff be requested to provide training in any
techniques required?
7.8
No
Yes
(Details…………………….
)
No
Yes
(Details…………………….
)
No
If the care and management of animals does not accord with current best practice, please provide details and
a justification as to why this is necessary.
Details provided in Section 7 have been discussed with the Animal Facility Manager?
(Check)
YES
NO
Animal Facility Manager (signature):...............................................
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8.0
PARTICIPATION OF STAFF FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS, OR FACILITIES OF
ANOTHER INSTITUTIONS
8.1
Will staff from other institutions participate in this project?
8.2
Will facilities of another institution be used? If so, please describe how.
9.0
INTERESTS
9.1
Do any actual or potential interests exist, including any financial interest or other relationship or affiliation, that
may affect judgements and decisions regarding the wellbeing of the animals involved?
10.0
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
I/we the undersigned, and all others involved in the project assure the AEC that:
 Plain English has been used throughout the application to allow all AEC members to be provided with
sufficient information to participate effectively in the assessment of the application.
 Adequate resources will be available to undertake the project.
 I and all others involved in the project are familiar and will comply with the requirements of the Code.
 I and all others involved in the project will adhere to all requirements of the AEC including the provision
of reports, notices and advices.
Note: Part II, Section 4 of The NHMRC Guidelines to promote the wellbeing of animals used for scientific purposes:
The assessment and alleviation of pain and distress in research animals (2008) must be considered before
submitting this application.
10.1
Responsible Investigators, Lecturers or Supervisors
By signing below, I certify that I have read this application together with its attachments and that all information
provided herein is written in plain English, and is accurate and complete.
Name
Phone (W)
Phone (H)
Signature
10.2
Assistant Investigators, Postgraduate Students or Demonstrators
Name
Phone (W)
Phone (H)
Signature
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10.3
School and Faculty Recommendation
Head of School/Centre Director
Date ......../......./............................................................... (Signature)
or Dean
Date ......../......./............................................................... (Signature)
Comments (if applicable):
11.0 OTHER APPROVALS
Approvals / Permits applied for, or obtained. (Select and check) Quote permit numbers, or attach copies.
No
Are G M O’s involved?
Yes (UBC Ref.No…………………)
Scientific
research
and
educational
No
Yes (………………………………….)
purposes permit (ECOACCESS).
No
AQIS
Yes (………………………………….)
No
Do you require an S8 Licence?
Yes (number:….... Name of holder:…….
Notes / Reminders
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Select Address: CTRL+ click to follow Link.
The AEC wants to know if you intend to use animal tissues from commercial sources or from other AEC approved projects
because this is an example of Reduction by secondary re-use. Authenticating tissue sources is important to all.
For GMO enquiries see University Biosafety Committee (UBC) http://www.griffith.edu.au/research/researchservices/research-ethics-integrity/biosafety.
Request a maximum duration of 3 years to avoid minor extensions. Normally, renewal is for a fourth final year.
The AEC’s decision on your application will be emailed to you 15-17 days after the submission deadline.
For common practices use AEC-approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
Copies of Student Laboratory Notes should form part of applications for teaching subjects.
Student Ethical Guidelines (Pg 14) should be printed and used in classes.
AEC Secretary (Ph 07 3735 6618)
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CHECKLIST



What is happening to the animals?
What will be the effects?
How will the effects be minimised?
Anaesthesia
Fasting
Induction Maintenance Methods of monitoring anaesthesia and recovery
Additional support during anaesthesia and
recovery
(eg heat, intravenous fluids)
Location of induction and recovery areas
Behaviour modification
Stimulus (type, duration, frequency)
Blood/body fluid collection
Volume
Route
Frequency
Anaesthesia or analgesia
Restraint
Animal monitoring (methods, frequency)
Diet/water modifications
Type
Amount
Effects
Measurement of intake
Animal monitoring
Drug treatments
Substance
Volume
Route
Frequency/total number per animal
Local and systemic effects
Anaesthesia or analgesia
Possible side effects
Restraint
Humane killing/Euthanasia
Method
Location (where procedure will be performed)
Expertise of personnel
Genetic manipulation
Methods
Potential effects
Housing
Location
Isolation
Group housing (stocking rates, sexes)
Shelter
Bedding
Hiding areas
Environmental enrichment
Duration held
Conditioning period
In-vitro studies
Source of animals
Duration held
Euthanasia
Surgery
Anaesthesia
Location of pre-operative preparation area
Pre-operative preparation
Surgical procedure (site, technique)
Sterile technique (instruments, drapes, surgeon)
Location of and housing in post-operative
recovery area
Post-operative management
Post-operative monitoring (methods, frequency,
duration)
Use of analgesics (type, dose, route, frequency,
means of determining necessity for use)
Expertise
Toxicology
Substance
Volume
Route
Frequency of treatments / total number per animal
Local and systemic effects
Anaesthesia or analgesia
Restraint
Animal monitoring (methods, frequency)
Endpoint/duration
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Transport
Type
Duration
Confinement
Numbers of animals
Air conditioning
Tumour/neoplasia induction
Method
Site
Endpoint
Animal monitoring (methods, frequency)
Teaching
Source of animals
Housing
Duration held
Method of disposal
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REPORT OF ADVERSE OR UNEXPECTED EVENT
DURING THE CONDUCT OF AN APPROVED PROJECT
Griffith University AEC is responsible for ensuring University staff use live animals for scientific
purposes according to the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
The Code requires investigators to promptly notify the Animal Ethics Committee of any adverse or
unexpected events (refer to Clauses 2.4.34 “Investigators must provide the following to the AEC in
accordance with AEC and institutional policies and procedures:” (Clauses 2.4.34 [ii]) “prompt
notification of any unexpected adverse events”.
Investigators, Animal Carers and Animal Facility Manager should note Clause 3.1.24 of the Code:
Alleviating unanticipated pain and distress must take precedence over an individual animal
reaching the planned endpoint of the project, or the continuation or completion of the project.
If necessary, animals must be humanely killed without delay”.
The Code stipulates, “Animal Carers must: take prompt actions based on the monitoring and
assessment of animal wellbeing and in response to unexpected adverse events and emergencies,
in accordance with institutional policies and procedures, and procedures approved by the AEC
(see Clauses 2.1.5 [v] [d] and 3.1.23–3.1.25), including liaising with investigators and seeking
veterinary advice” (refer to Clause 2.5.5 [iv]). If an emergency welfare intervention is considered
necessary for an animal allocated to a project (e.g. treatment or humane killing of an animal),
animal carers must take reasonable steps to first contact the responsible investigator. However,
the welfare of the animal must be the priority at all times and may necessitate immediate
intervention. Animal carers must promptly advise the responsible investigator of actions taken and
the reasons for emergency interventions. Reporting of the event to the AEC, and responsibility for
such reporting, must be in accordance with institutional and AEC policies and procedures (see
Clause 2.1.5 [v] [d]) (refer to Clause 2.5.6).
The Code requires unexpected adverse events relating to animals for which the facility manager is
responsible be reported promptly to the AEC in accordance with AEC and institutional policies and
procedures. Refer to Clause 2.5.15 [xiv] (b):The facility manager, with support as required from
the institution and other staff members, and advice from veterinarians, must: ensure that reports
are provided to the AEC in accordance with AEC and institutional policies and procedures (see
Clause 2.2.32), including: prompt notification of unexpected adverse events relating to animals for
which the facility manager is responsible (see Clause 2.1.5 [v] [d]).
In addition, when an animal dies unexpectedly, or euthanased due to unforeseen complications, a
necropsy should be performed by a competent person (Clause 2.1.5 [v] [d] and Clause 3.1.25 of
the Code) and the AEC should be notified promptly (Clause 3.3.24, of the Code).
An unexpected adverse event may result from different causes, including but not limited to:




death of an animal, or group of animals, that was not expected (e.g. during surgery or
anaesthesia, or after a procedure or treatment)
adverse effects following a procedure or treatment that were not expected
adverse effects in a larger number of animals than predicted during the planning of the project or
activity, based on the number of animals actually used, not the number approved for the study
a greater level of pain or distress than was predicted during the planning of the project or activity
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
power failures, inclement weather, emergency situations or other factors external to the project
or activity that have a negative impact on the welfare of the animals.
Responsible (Chief) Investigator:
AEC Approval Number:
Project Title:
Date of incident:
Species:
Date of report:
Location:
Summary of circumstances (Please include the circumstances which lead to the unexpected
adverse event (including the researcher(s) involved, the training/skills of the researcher before
the procedure was performed, any supervision being provided at the time by Responsible
Investigators or Animal House staff):
Was a post mortem conducted?
(Yes/No)
If no post mortem was conducted please explain why:
Results from post mortem (please attach the official post mortem report from an external postmortem examiner):
Name of the person or company who
conducted the post mortem:
Relationship to this study (consultant
veterinarian/ member of project team):
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Summary of results:
Outcome of incident:
Outcome
Unplanned mortality
Unplanned euthanasia
Recovery (experiment continued)
Experiment terminated
Other (provide details):
Yes
No
Number of animals
Date:
Future prevention strategies/precautions:
Will the protocol will be amended and a request for a variation be submitted?
Responsible Investigator
Name.................................................Date ......../......./.................................................... (Signature)
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Ethical guidelines for students using animals
or animal tissues for educational purposes
Introduction
The use of animals or animal tissues for educational purposes is a
privilege that brings with it responsibilities. These responsibilities go
well beyond the need to avoid cruelty to animals and involve a
genuine commitment to their welfare and a respect for the
contribution they make to your learning. Outlined below are
principles to consider in helping you to meet these responsibilities.
Australian and New Zealand
Council for the Care of Animals in
Research and Teaching
www.adelaide.edu.au/ANZCCART
Principles to Consider
1. Consider why animals or animal tissues are being used
The justification for using animals should be that their use is essential for the achievement of educational
outcomes, while recognising the potential harm to animals to achieve these outcomes. Always consider
whether the outcomes could be achieved without the use of animals or animal tissues. Students and staff
members should be mindful of the “Three Rs” (replacement, reduction, and refinement) when working with
animals.
2. Consider the requirements for animal welfare and animal handling
At all times the welfare of the animal you use is your responsibility, not just your supervisor’s responsibility.
This can be considered as a "duty of care". If you are required to handle animals, it is important to follow the
instructions of staff in the correct handling and restraining techniques for the species being used.
3. Consider the regulatory environment and obey the law
The use of animals in research and teaching in Australia is regulated by State and Territory government
legislation incorporating the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific
1
purposes . The use of animals for research and teaching must first be approved by an Animal Ethics
Committee (AEC). Gaining this approval involves justification for using animals (species and number), the
means by which animals will be handled and, if required, humanely killed, and the potential research and
educational outcomes of the work balanced against any potential harm to the animals used. The skills of the
staff involved and the supervision of the students are also evaluated. In fact, the questions raised by AECs
should be those asked by each student regarding the use of animals for their education.
4. Consider your own views in using animals or animal tissues
You should discuss the use of animals or animal tissues with other students and staff. Opinions should be
formed and aired, with appropriate justification, in an open and accepting environment. Feel free to suggest
ways of improving future classes. Some institutions have developed policies for ethical objections by
students to the use of animals. If you feel unsure of your options consult these policies or the relevant AEC.
5. Consider your responsibility to ensure that good use is made of the learning opportunity
You should know what underlying principles are being taught and understand the details that illustrate those
principles. This involves reading background material from lecture notes, references and laboratory manuals
before attending class, and being generally prepared to maximise the learning experience.
ANZCCART has the following objectives:
• to promote excellence in the care of animals used in research and teaching and thereby minimise any discomfort that they may experience;
• to ensure that the outcomes of the scientific and educational uses of animals are worthwhile; and
• to foster informed and responsible discussion and debate within the scientific and wider community regarding the uses of animals.
1
“Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes” (Seventh Edition, 2004: Australian
Government; National Health and Medical Research Council): http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/ea16syn.htm
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