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Animal Ethics

ANIMAL CARE AND ETHICS COMMITTEE

POLICY DOCUMENT

The Use of S4 and S8 Drugs

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1
The use of restricted substances (Schedule 4 - "S4" Drugs) and drugs of addiction (Schedule 8 - "S8" Drugs) in animals used for research and teaching purposes, are controlled under the following legislation:
  1. Veterinary Surgeons Act 1986
  2. Animal Research Act 1985
  3. Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966
  4. Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 1994.
1.2
The Animal Research Review Panel has issued a policy statement on "Acts of Veterinary Science and the Use of Restricted Drugs" (Policy Statement 14, August 1997).
1.3
The Veterinary Manager, Animal Services unit, holds:
  1. a Licence to supply restricted substances;
  2. a Licence to supply drugs of addiction.
1.4
To assist with the implementation of the legislation and guidelines with respect to the use of these drugs by researchers in approved protocols at the University of Newcastle, the following procedures must be observed.

2.0 S4 DRUGS

2.1
Researchers are able to use S4 drugs for animals in approved protocols provided that:
  1. the Animal Care and Ethics Committee has approved the use of the drug;
  2. the drug is ordered with the authority of the University Veterinarian. Such an order must be in writing and include the name of the Chief Investigator, and the Animal Ethics Approval Number;
  3. additional guidelines established by the Animal Research Review Panel (Policy Statement 14) are followed.

3.0 S8 DRUGS

3.1
Researchers are able to use S8 drugs for animals in approved protocols provided that:
  1. the Animal Care and Ethics Committee has approved the use of the drug;
  2. A licence issued by the NSW Department of Health is held;
  3. the drug is handled and held as required by the New South Wales Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966, and its Regulation 1994;
  4. the drug is ordered with the authority of the University Veterinarian. Such an order must be in writing, and include the name of the Chief Investigator, and the Animal Ethics Approval Number and licence number. The initial order should be accompanied by a copy of the licence from the NSW Department of Health.
  5. additional guidelines established by the Animal Research Review Panel (Policy Statement 14) are followed.