Use of Animals in Teaching Protocols

The use of animals in teaching protocols is governed by the NSW Animal Research Act and Animal Research Regulations. The legislation directs that an ACEC may approve only those experiments for which animals are essential, taking into consideration ethical and welfare aspects as well as scientific and educational value.

In order to justify the continuing use of animals in a practical class, there must be an evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of animals in achieving the objectives of that class. While the lecturer responsible for the class may have different ways of evaluating the student's achievement of objectives, the ACEC recommends the use of a questionnaire. To this end, the Committee has developed a pro forma "Questionnaire for the evaluation of the use of animals in practical classes". [Note: That link downloads an MS-Word format document]

The general and specific aims/objectives stated in the questionnaire should be the same as those outlined comprehensively in your application for ACEC approval.

Evaluation is mandatory for new practical classes. Once it has been established that the use of animals is justified, evaluation may be performed periodically (eg. for submission with each Annual Progress Report/Renewal Application).

Useful links for the use of animals in postgraduate surgical training:

NSW Department of Primary Industries - Guidelines for AECs considering the use of animals for postgraduate surgical training

NHMRC Guidelines on the use of animals for training surgeons and demonstrating new surgical equipment and techniques