Animal Research Policy

Document Number	001007
Date Approved	18 January 2013

   

1.      Introduction

The use of animals in research or teaching is governed by the Animal Research Act 1985 (NSW) and Animal Research Regulation 2010 (NSW).

The University recognises the value of research involving animals and supports the ethical use of animals in research and teaching where such research complies with the relevant legislation.

In accordance with the Animal Research Act 1985 (NSW) and Animal Research Regulation 2010 (NSW), the University of Newcastle is an accredited animal research establishment and must maintain this accreditation to enable animal research to be carried out at this institution.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the supporting procedures and guidelines documents and the legislation governing the use of animals in research, including the Animal Research Act 1985 (NSW), Animal Research Regulation 2010 (NSW) and Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

2.       Policy Scope

This policy covers the breeding, holding and use of all animals at the University of Newcastle for the purpose of research as defined by the NSW Animal Research Act. In this context ‘research’ includes teaching.

3.      Policy Intent

This policy and the associated procedures and guidelines are designed to ensure that animal research at the University is carried out in an ethical manner and in accordance with legislation.

4.      Relevant Definitions

In the context of this document:

animal research means any research and teaching carried out using animals as defined by the Animal Research Act 1985 (NSW) at the University of Newcastle.

animal care and ethics committee (ACEC) means the committee set up in accordance with the Animal Research Act 1985 (NSW) and Animal Research Regulation 2010 (NSW), by the University of Newcastle.

All other terms are as defined in the Animal Research Act 1985 (NSW), Animal Research Regulation 2010 (NSW.

5.      Policy provisions / principles

5.1 Animal Care and Ethics Committee

5.1.1    The University has established the Animal Care and Ethics Committee (ACEC), directly responsible to the Vice-Chancellor.

5.1.2    The University ensures, through the ACEC, that all animal research complies with relevant legislation and national guidelines and codes.

5.1.3    The University provides the ACEC with resources and powers to fulfil its terms of reference and operate as set out in the legislation and national guidelines and codes.

5.1.4    The University accepts the responsibility to respond effectively to recommendations from the ACEC to ensure that all animal research within the institution remains in accordance with the legislation and national guidelines and codes.

5.2 Animal Services Unit

5.2.1    The University has established the Animal Services Unit which provides animal breeding, holding and care for research animals.

5.2.2     The University provides the Animal Services Unit with the resources to ensure the wellbeing of animals held for research.

5.3    Training

5.3.1      The University provides training for personnel involved in the use or care of animals for research to ensure that best practice is used.

6.      Essential Supporting Documents  

Animal Care and Ethics Committee Procedure 001006

Animal Care and Ethics Committee Guidelines 001016

Animal Services Unit Standard Operating procedures

7.      Related Documents

Animal Research Act 1985 (NSW)

Animal Research Regulation 2010 (NSW)

Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes

Monitoring of animals used for research and teaching- ACEC Guidelines 

Approval Authority	Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Date Approved	18 January 2013
Date for Review	18 January 2016
Policy Sponsor	Director, Research Services
Policy Owner	Associate Director, Research Strategy, Policy and Performance, Research Services
Policy Contact	Manager, Animal Welfare and Training
Amendment History	Minor amendment - Animal Care and Ethics Committee Guidelines 001016 added to Essential documents, The Secretariat, 26 June 2013. Approved by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), 18 January 2013.