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.


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