Research Services

Research Ethics and Integrity

Animal Research Ethics

Animal Colonies:

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 [Part 1, Paragraph (i) of the definition of “scientific procedure” in Section 3(1)] “does not include - the collection, taking, banding and marking of wildlife within the meaning of and in accordance with the Wildlife Act 1975”. Further, the POCTA Act [Part 1, S.6(1)(d)] does not apply to anything done in accordance with the… Wildlife Act 1975”.

The Wildlife Act 1975 (Part IIIA, S.28A) requires investigators to hold a permit to maintain any wildlife in captivity.

In addition, the University requires that potential colony holders seek prior approval from the Animal Ethics Committee to establish and maintain a wildlife colony. In addition, owners of wildlife colonies are required to submit a copy of all permits and a monthly Animal Usage Report (stock/colony animals) to the AEC.

‘Specified’ Animal Colonies:

The breeding and maintenance of specified animals (guinea pig, rat, mouse, rabbit and non-human primate), if not part of a scientific procedure, must be undertaken with the approval of the AEC. It should also be noted that specified animals used in scientific procedures must be bred in accordance with the requirements of POCTA Regulation 14(i), Part 3, i.e., they must be bred at:

1. scientific premises for which a scientific procedures premises licence has been issued; or
2. premises for which a specified animals breeding licence has been issued under the Act; or
3. premises within Australia but outside Victoria which comply with all relevant requirements of the State or Territory in which the premises are located for the breeding of specified animals; or
4. premises outside Australia.

Further, the amended POCTA Regulations stipulate that AEC approval is necessary in instances where new lines of genetically modified animals are being created or where novel breeding procedures are proposed. Owners of ‘specified’ animal colonies are required to submit a monthly Animal Usage Report (stock/colony animals) to the AEC.

Management of Animal Colonies:

With reference to the management and maintenance of colonies, culling of animals is recognised as an accepted animal husbandry practice but is to be avoided if at all possible. Therefore, as the culling of animals is not a scientific procedure but an accepted animal husbandry practice for the maintenance of captive colonies it is not covered by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and does not require AEC approval. However, caution should be exercised with the use of tissues* from culled animals.

* AEC approval is required for a scientific procedure (test, experiment, inquiry, investigation or study) which is:

• carried out on, or in connection with, an animal in the course of which the animal is subjected to certain treatments or conditions; and
• is for the purpose of acquiring, demonstrating or developing knowledge, techniques or testing substances.

[Reference: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, Paragraphs (a) to (f) of the definition “scientific procedure” in Section 3(1), Part 1.]