Research Services

Research Ethics and Integrity

Animal Research Ethics

Guidelines for the use of animal tissue:

The killing of animals, including culls, for the purpose of extracting organs, tissues or fluids for the purpose of scientific study is interpreted by the Bureau of Animal Welfare as a scientific procedure for purposes of Part 3 (Scientific Procedures) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (amended 1997) Section 21(g).

The above interpretation is independent of the time elapsed between the killing and extraction of parts if it is clear that there exists at the time of the killing an intent to extract material at a later date.

For as long as carcasses of specified animals (i.e., mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits bred in captivity) are stored on the premises of a scientific establishment, it must be presumed that the intent exists and any subsequent extraction of material for a study should be regarded as a scientific procedure requiring AEC approval.

The intent is presumed to exist until it can be demonstrated unequivocally that it does not - for example, by total carcass destruction.

Wildlife from a captive-breeding colony held under permit from the Department of Sustainability and Environment or other authorities may be killed from time to time to manage the colony. However, good husbandry practices should severely limit the numbers. Wildlife which are destroyed for this purpose (whether adult, young at foot, pouch young or nestling) must be recorded in a book and may not be used for scientific purposes unless approval has been obtained from the AEC.

The AEC will include in its annual report statements as to the acquisition, maintenance, use and disposal of all animals (including colonies). It is a requirement of the Code that adequate records are kept on the acquisition, breeding, care, use and disposal of animals.

Note that AEC approval is not required where tissue is obtained from animals which were not primarily killed for scientific purposes, e.g., tissue obtained from commercial suppliers of animal products (abattoir, commercial fisherman, etc.) or road killed specimens (Department of Sustainability and Environment permit required).

However, it is imperative that the Committee is aware of all material being used for research and teaching within the institution and accordingly, the AEC requires all investigators to notify the Committee in writing of such proposed animal tissue use. Such information should include the nature, source and purpose of tissue to be used.