Guidelines regarding application for minor amendment to an approved project involving animals

It is necessary to apply to the AEC for extension of approval if the project is to continue for a longer period of time, if additional animals are required or if any change to the procedure is proposed.

All applications for amendment are considered at scheduled AEC meetings.

The Executive of the AEC may consider and approve a minor modification to a project out of session for review at the next AEC meeting. It has been agreed that this will not be normal practice and will only happen when there is a strong argument for urgency or it has a direct animal welfare impact. The case for urgency must be provided in writing to support the request.

Form for application for minor amendment to current approved project

The original amendment form plus 14 photocopies are required to reach the AEC/AECMED Secretary by 12 pm on the deadline date to be included on the Agenda for the subsequent AEC meeting.

Please note that the use of this form is limited to changes that fit within the following criteria:

Time extension

The maximum period for time extension is 12 months.

Do not allow the approval period to expire if work is to continue. If work has not begun and expiry is within 6 months, a time extension may be considered, effective from the original expiry date.

Increase in animal numbers

The increase in animal numbers is no more than 30% of the original approval.

If more than 30% of the original number of animals is required, a new application must be completed so that the scientific justification as well as the welfare implications can be addressed.

Change in species

If the impact on the proposed new species is consistent with the species identified in the original application.

Change in procedure

Minor modifications to procedures/methodology, including changes in drug treatments.

A new application must be submitted when the scientific question is different to the original approved application. An amendment application does not involve change in the main aims of the project or the asking of a new scientific question.

Notification

Please notify the AEC Secretary Helen Malby (Faculty of Sciences) or AECMED Secretary Deanna Gross (Faculty of Health Sciences), if there are other changes proposed, such as:

• names of staff and students
• location of research
• source of animals
• refinement in techniques that are beneficial to animal welfare having a lesser impact than the original protocol.
• refinement in husbandry and animal housing that is beneficial to the animal.