Concerns about animals
Concerns about projects that involve animals
Concerns about specific research or teaching projects that involve animals should be raised with the lead researcher or supervising teacher. Additional contacts include:
- the Animal Ethics Team (for matters related to research or teaching projects or ethics applications)
- the BioResearch Facilities team (for matters involving the University’s animal research facilities).
These staff will liaise with University's Animal Care and Ethics Committee, which will ensure:
- any complaints are investigated to determine whether there are grounds for concern for animal welfare
- that where there are grounds for concern, all activities involving animals are immediately ceased and appropriate action is taken to safeguard animal wellbeing
- non-compliant activities are addressed with the research and/or teaching team.
Concerns from members of the community
Concerns from the community about animals involved in research or teaching will be managed as outlined on the University's community issues web page.
Veterinary support for animals
Research and teaching teams that require immediate veterinary assistance should contact the University’s Animal Welfare Officer who:
- routinely monitors the well-being of animals involved in research and teaching activities
- provides veterinary services to animals in our care
- provides advice to researchers on animal health and welfare and monitoring protocols
- works with the Animal Care and Ethics Committee to carry out regular inspections of research and holding areas.
Emergency contact advice is also posted within our animal research facilities.
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.