Research Services

Research Ethics and Integrity

Animal Research Ethics

Animal numbers: reporting and keeping requirements

With reference to Section 30 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and in accordance with Regulation 14(f)(ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) [Scientific Procedures Premises Licence prescribed conditions] the AEC requires that all investigators maintain standard records concerning animal numbers, acquisition, transfer, use, transfer and destruction. Such information must be recorded on a monthly basis and be reflective of the status quo as at the first working day of the month.

It should be noted by owners of stock/breeding animals that the monthly report must be submitted to the Animal Ethics Committee in the prescribed format. The report may be submitted by the colony owner or through the animal housing facility manager. However, all colony owners are reminded they are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the report is submitted in accordance with the statutory requirements.