Animal Ethics Introduction

The use of animals for teaching, research or experimentation is regulated by State legislation - the South Australian Animal Welfare Act 1985.

The University of Adelaide is licensed under the Act to acquire and use animals only when approval has been granted by its Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). No animal may be held or used for any purpose until written approval has been obtained from the AEC.

All University personnel who wish to use animals for teaching, research or experimentation must obtain ethical approval from the University of Adelaide AEC prior to any use or involvement with animals, irrespective of where they are located, where animals may be housed or used, or of the source of funding. All student projects must receive University of Adelaide ethical clearance.

The AEC must ensure that all animal care and use is conducted in compliance with the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes - 7th Edition 2004 - (the Code) and that it incorporates the principle of the three R's - Replacement, Reduction and Refinement.

The purpose of the Code is to ensure the ethical and humane care and use of animals used for scientific purposes as defined in the Code. The principles set out in the Code are for the guidance of investigators, teachers, institutions, Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) and all people involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

The Code emphasises the responsibilities of investigators, teachers and institutions using animals to:

• ensure that the use of animals is justified, taking into consideration the scientific or educational benefits and the potential effects on the welfare of the animals;
• ensure that the welfare of the animals is always considered;
• promote the development and use of techniques that replace the use of animals in scientific and teaching activities;
• minimise the number of animals used in projects; and
• refine methods and procedures to avoid pain or distress in animals used in scientific and teaching activities.

Information on applications, amendments and reporting requirements are found in the Guidelines section of this web site. Policies on animal care and Links to other useful sites are also available.

Please direct general enquiries to the AEC Secretary, Mrs Helen Malby.