Animal ethics
The University of Newcastle undertakes a range of biomedical and biological research, some of which may involve animals.
We know this can be a challenging subject. We also know that animal models can help researchers develop better treatments for cancer, dementia, drug addiction, lung disease, chronic pain, HIV, COVID-19 and countless other serious medical conditions.
Animal models are often used alongside other techniques to answer key biological questions that help researchers find new and better ways to treat disease, addiction and illness.
We are firmly committed to the ethical treatment of animals involved in research. We also ensure approved studies have merit and are conducted with integrity and scientific rigour.
We have an independent Animal Care and Ethics Committee which oversees the care and welfare of animals we work with. It’s made up of community members, animal welfare representatives, veterinary scientists and academics.
Our animal welfare officer is a veterinarian who routinely monitors the health of animals in our care and supports researchers with animal health and welfare matters.
Legislation
The use of vertebrate animals for research or teaching purposes must meet the requirements of the NSW Animal Research Act 1985, NSW Animal Research Regulation 2021 and the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th Edition (2013) (enacted under the Act).
The legislation embodies the principles of reduction in the number of animals used, replacement of animals with non-animal alternatives and refinement of techniques and procedures to reduce the impact on animals.
Before any vertebrate animal can be used for research or teaching purposes, the researcher must obtain approval from the ACEC.
Researchers who use animals for research or teaching purposes have a personal responsibility for all matters relating to the welfare of the animals they use. This responsibility embraces a duty of care that demands a genuine commitment to the welfare of the animals, a respect for the contribution that animals make to research and teaching, and a desire to promote the animal's wellbeing.
- NSW Animal Research Act 1985
- NSW Animal Research Regulation 2021
- Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th Edition (2013)
Policies, procedures and guidelines
Any researcher conducting animal-based studies must be familiar with and carry out their work in accordance with a suite of national codes, policies and guidelines that support best-practice in animal welfare.
Relevant University of Newcastle policies
Resources
Forms
Other resources
- Animal Ethics Infolink - Developed by the Animal Research Review Panel and NSW Department of Primary Industries - Animal Welfare Branch.
- NHMRC Animal Welfare Committee
- NetVet Veterinary Resources - This website provides a comprehensive listing of all types of internet resources relating to veterinary science, laboratory animals, their welfare and alternatives to animal use.
- NetVet hotlinks
- World Wide Web Resources for Veterinary & Related Organisations and Associations - Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
- International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.