The emergence of research ethics dates back to the Nuremberg Trials for war crimes that followed WWII . During these trials
there were revelations of unethical experiments involving human prisoners.
After the trials the first code of ethical conduct of research was established . This code was adopted by the United Nations in
1946. This was followed by the Declaration of Helsinki which was first adopted by the World Medical Association in June 1964.
From this beginning a worldwide context of research ethics emerged including consideration of the ethical conduct of
experimentation using animals. The emergence of the 3Rs as key ethical principles in the use of animals came from scientists
Russel & Birch in The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique published in 1959. The 3Rs in animal welfare ethics
consist of replacement, reduction and refinement
. Where possible we should replace animals with alternatives, reduce the
numbers of animals used and refine projects to reduce negative welfare impact in teaching and research. These principles are
widely accepted & practised as an ethical framework for the use of animals in research.
The Emergence of Research Ethics
The welfare of animals in Australia is protected by state government legislation. In South Australia, this is
the Animal Welfare Act 1985. The use of animals in teaching and research is regulated by this Act and it is
illegal to use animals for these purposes without a licence.
Teaching and research using animals must also be in accordance with the national guidelines = Australian
code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, 8th edition, 2013.
Both the Act and Australian Code require any teaching and research, involving vertebrates and cephalopods,
to be authorised and supervised by an Animal Ethics Committee. At Flinders University, our ethics body is
called the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC).
The Research Context in Australia
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-
support/ebi/animal-ethics/animal-ethics_home.cfm
Check our and bookmark the Animal Ethics website
on the Flinders University website. The website
contains information regarding what type of work
requires animal ethics approval, how do you apply
for animal ethics, how do you manage an approved
project, where can you get further animal ethics
education or training, who to contact if you have any
animal related questions or enquirers, and much
more. This should be the first place you go if you are
seeking information regarding animal ethics at
Flinders University.
AWC Webpage
(= Animal Ethics website)
The Code provides the Australian scientific community with an ethical framework to guide decisions and actions that relate to the
welfare of animals involved in scientific activities. These include purposes for acquiring, developing and demonstrating
knowledge or techniques in any area of science. The Code covers animals involved in research, teaching, field trials, product
testing, diagnosis, the production of biological products and environmental studies. All non-human vertebrates (fish,
amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) and cephalopods (octopi, squid and cuttlefish) are covered by the Code. In
addition, you must obtain animal ethics approval to use certain groups of decapod crustaceans at Flinders
University. This definition encompasses domestic animals, purpose-bred animals, livestock and wildlife. It applies throughout
any animal's involvement, including acquisition, transport, breeding, housing, management, during projects and the provisions
for the animals at the completion of their use.
The Code strongly emphasises and describes the responsibilities of institutions, researchers, animal carers, and animal ethics
committees.
It is essential that you read the Code and are familiar with its contents, especially Section 2, which describes your
responsibilities.
You can find and download the Code from the AWC website at:
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-ethics/about.cfm
Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (2013)
A governing principle of the Australian Code is respect for animals. We do this by:
• Using animals only when justified,
• Supporting the wellbeing of animals,
• Avoiding or minimising harm, distress and pain,
• Exhibiting high standards of scientific integrity, and
• Framing the design and conduct of research with the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction & Refinement).
Governing Principle
The 3Rs
Replacement - Use alternatives to animals where possible (such as computer models or simulations). When planning your project
ensure you have conducted a thorough literature search to identify alternatives to animal use. Check out the Altweb - global
clearinghouse for information on alternatives to animal testing provided by the Johns Hopkins - Bloomberg School of Public
Health. See: www.altweb.jhsph.edu
Search engines exist for PubMed which provide animal alternative search strategies, one of these, designed for biomedical
research and testing includes:
http://toxnet.nlm.gov/altbib.html
Also, consider other options such as existing epidemiological data, computer modelling/simulation, use of cadavers and models,
or actual clinical cases.
Reduction - Where the use of an alternative is not possible, use the least possible animals while maintaining scientific
integrity. Good experimental design and access to statistical expertise
is vital in determining adequate sample sizes in
experiments. Remember, a sample size that is too small may be even worse than using too many animals if experimental results
become invalid because of a lack of statistical power. Such problems can result in animals being wasted in projects which can't be
completed or published. The work may then need to be repeated using more animals.
Refinement - Refinement involves designing and implementing strategies to reduce welfare impact. Good refinement practices
use animal management methods, technical procedures, and competent personnel to reduce animal suffering and distress.
Things to think about in this category include:
• Anaesthetising animals with an agent that provides smooth induction with recovery,
• Providing post-operative pain relief,
• Ensuring the innate behavioural and health needs of animals are met in their everyday living arrangements,
• Personnel who handle animals or conduct procedures must be trained and deemed competent before work begins,
• If animals are to be handled, it is sensible to carefully condition them to the presence of people and the procedures they will
experience,
• Provide effective pain relief and up to date anaesthetic regimes, and
• Establish clinical monitoring criteria that can be used to identify intervention points and provide humane endpoints for
animals.
An important resource for seeking ideas regarding management,
techniques/procedures and drugs that can assist in refinement are the
NHMRC Guidelines to promote the wellbeing of animals used for scientific
purposes. Check this out on the AWC "Further Information and Links" webpage
at: http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-
ethics/resources/links.cfm
The NHMRC Guidelines are very helpful because unlike the Code the Guidelines give
specific and detailed examples of refinement methods.
The Animal Facility Manager, the Animal Welfare Officer (AWO), or your research
supervisor can also assist you with identifying and implementing the 3Rs in your
projects. Seek out their help early in project development.
The 3Rs
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are an invaluable resource. Any
procedures described in a SOP or SWMS doesn't need to be detailed in your animal ethics application, and instead all you
need to say is "X will be performed as described in the SOP XXX".
Please download the current SOP and SWMS version every time when writing an application, and use any versions
thereafter during the approval of your project.
The College of Medicine and Public Health Animal Facility SWMSs are available at:
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-ethics/resources/sops.cfm
The College of Science and Engineering Animal Facility SOPs are available at:
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-ethics/resources/sops.cfm
SOPs
Various statisticians are available for consultation.
• For staff and students in the College of Medicine and Public Health:
The Flinders Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (FCEB) may be able to help you in your study design and data
analysis. Biostatistical consulting and collaboration is available to all staff within the College of Medicine and Public Health.
Advice is free for short consulting sessions. If extended consulting or other considerable input is required then the FCEB staff
should be regarded as collaborators and not as free-advice consultants.
For more details, please check out the FCEB webpage: http://www.flinders.edu.au/medicine/sites/fceb/fceb_home.cfm
• For staff and students in the College of Science and Engineering:
A/Prof Duncan Mackay has generously volunteered his time to offer statistical advice.
Researchers must first attempt statistical work with their supervisors before arranging an appointment with A/Prof Mackay.
A/Prof Mackay can be contacted via (08) 8201 2627 or duncan.mackay@flinders.edu.au
• For staff and RHD students outside of the above areas (and in special cases Honours students - see Guidelines Document
(https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/11360/Guidelines%20for%20Statistical%20Consulta
ncy%20with%20Mr%20Pawel%20Skuza%202016.pdf):
Statistical support can be obtained by contacting Mr Pawel Skuza via (08) 82013346 or pawel.skuza@flinders.edu.au
Researchers must first attempt statistical work with supervisors or colleagues before arranging an appointment with Mr Skuza.
Please be aware that an appointment is necessary due to the continuing demands for consulting time, and depending on the
number of pending requests, you may have to be placed on a waiting list.
Statistical Advice
The Australian Code and the Animal Welfare Act 1985 together require institutions (in South Australia) to have Animal Ethics Committees
composed of the following member categories:
• Category A - Veterinarians, who may be independent of the University.
• Category B - Institutional researchers and lecturers.
• Category C - People committed to animal welfare, who are independent of the University (i.e. RSPCA representatives).
• Category D - Community representatives, with no animal research or teaching background, who are independent of the University.
• Category E - Institutional Animal Facility staff (only required when animals are held by an institution for use in teaching or research
activities).
At Flinders University, in order to achieve quorum, the Chair plus at least one member representative of each Category A to E must
be present during AWC meetings. In addition, Category C plus D members must represent no less than one third of the Category A
plus B plus C plus D members present.
Please note, the Australian Code requires that AECs are composed of Category A-D members, and in South Australia the Animal Welfare Act
1985 also requires Category E members to be present in order to achieve quorum.
Composition of Animal Ethics Committees
It’s important for you to know about the membership of the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) because when you
write an application you need to be aware that it will not be read by a bunch of scientists like you. The AWC
contains members who are scientific researchers but they are a minority rather than a majority. The AWC
contains members of the public with no experience of research and science, those whose interests lie in animal
welfare and veterinarians who have experience in animal health and husbandry.
This is important information for you. You will need to find a way to write your application in lay-speak rather than
science-speak so that what you’re proposing to do is easily understood. You will need to justify your use of
animals by explaining the scientific value of your proposed work, describe what will happen to the animals, and
balance the benefits of the project outcomes with the welfare impacts. If the Committee cannot follow your
proposal it will be coming back to you for further development and this will cause delays.
Maintaining confidentiality and security is essential to protecting the ethics approval process as well as privacy,
innovation, the integrity of research and the reputation and safety of individuals and institutions. AWC
members must sign a Confidentiality Agreement that protects project-specific information, animal facility
processes, details about the AEC process, conversations, deliberations or decisions, and details about other
Committee members from being disclosed outside of the Committee itself.
Please note, AWC members are appointed on a volunteer basis, and therefore receive no sitting fee. In
addition, many members volunteer on the AWC in addition to maintaining full-time jobs with other employers.
Flinders University greatly appreciates the time and dedication of AWC members.
Membership of the AWC
• The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) Terms of Reference are described in the following document:
https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10953/AWC%20Terms%20of%20Reference%202015%20CURREN T.pdf
The Terms of Reference describe the powers, membership, and rules of conduct.
• The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) Operating Procedures can be found in the link below:
https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10953/AWC%20Operating%20Procedures%202016%20CURRENT.pdf
The Operating Procedures describe how decisions are made, meeting frequency, and different types of application approvals.
• A useful brochure that may help you understand Animal Ethics at Flinders University can be found in the link below:
https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10953/Animal%20Ethics%20Brochure%202016.pdf
Please download a copy of these documents as you will require them when working with animals in teaching or research at Flinders University.
Scope and Nature of the AWC
The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) is under the umbrella of the University's Office of the Vice-Chancellor, and the
AWC advises the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
Assisting the AWC there are two Sub-Committees that ensure project applications have been judged by academic peers for
scientific validity. These Sub-Committees have been formed from the College of Medicine and Public Health (entitled the
Animal Ethics Review Sub-Committee (AERSC)) and College of Science and Engineering (entitled the Animal Welfare Sub-
Committee (AWS-C)).
Where Does the AWC Fit?
All applications must be submitted through one of the two AWC sub-committees:
• Researchers with projects aligned to the College of Medicine and Public Health should apply to the Animal Ethics
Review Sub-Committee (AERSC) (
• Researchers with projects aligned to the College of Science and Engineering should apply to the Animal Welfare
Sub-Committee (AWS-C) (
The Sub-Committees assist the AWC by reviewing the scientific merit of applications, and provide recommendations for
revision to researchers before their application is reviewed by the AWC. The Sub-Committees are composed entirely of
Flinders researchers, who work on a volunteer
basis.
Following Sub-Committee review, applications are then reviewed by the AWC.
Who Reviews Applications?
• Internal deadlines for ethics applications
Internal deadlines for the receipt of new ethics applications are available for download via the AWC
website:
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-ethics/animal-ethics_home.cfm
• Time Frames
Please be aware that the approval process takes several months and submission deadlines are strictly adhered to. Please
be aware, very few applications receive straight approvals, and each round of re-review adds an additional 1 month to the
approval process.
Deadlines & Review Time Frames
New Applications – College of Medicine and Public Health
Researchers with projects aligned to the College of Medicine and Public Health, and for any work undertaken using animals in the College
of Medicine and Public Health Animal Facility, should apply to the Animal Ethics Review Sub-Committee (AERSC).
1. Complete the Flinders University Biomedical Animal Ethics Application Form, which can be downloaded from the Application Forms,
Cover Sheet and Templates page (
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-ethics/resources/forms.cfm).
2. All projects from the College of Medicine and Public Health must download and complete the Clinical Record Sheet template (where
appropriate), available from the Application Forms, Cover Sheet and Templates page (
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-
support/ebi/animal-ethics/resources/forms.cfm). The Animal Welfare Officer (AWO) is available for consultation regarding personalisation
of the template to each project.
3. Submit a signed electronic version of your application as a single PDF file to the AERSC (aersc@flinders.edu.au), which includes the
following documentation, prior to the submission deadline:
• Completed application form, including any required supporting documentation.
Please note that the AERSC does not accept applications submitted in hardcopy.
Application Forms
New Applications – College of Science and Engineering
Researchers with projects aligned to the College of Science and Engineering, using captive AND/OR non-captive wildlife, should apply to
the Animal Welfare Sub-Committee (AWS-C).
1. Complete the Flinders University Biology Animal Ethics Application Form, which can be downloaded from the Application Forms,
Cover Sheet and Templates page (
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-ethics/resources/forms.cfm).
2. All projects from the College of Science and Engineering must download and complete the Clinical Record Sheet template (where
appropriate), available from the Application Forms, Cover Sheet and Templates page (
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-
support/ebi/animal-ethics/resources/forms.cfm). The Animal Welfare Officer (AWO) is available for consultation regarding
personalisation of the template to each project.
3. Submit a signed electronic version of your application as a single PDF file to the AWS-C ([email protected]), which includes the
following documentation, prior to the submission deadline:
• Completed application form, including any required supporting documentation.
Please note that the AWS-C does not accept applications submitted in hardcopy.
Application Forms
Flinders has in place a Deed for Reciprocal Access to Animal Ethics Committees with most South
Australian Animal Ethics Committees. This means that where teaching, research or experimentation will be
undertaken by a collaboration of staff from multiple institutions, in most instances only a single Animal Ethics
Committee approval is required for the activity.
Approval must be obtained from the Animal Ethics Committee established by the institution that is
responsible for the premises in which the animals will be held. However, if the animals will not be held
captive, approval must be obtained from the Animal Ethics Committee established by the institution which
employs or engages the primary applicant on an Animal Ethics approval application.
Mutual Agreement Deed
Deferral / Not Approved Notice
In some cases, an application may receive a Deferral or Not Approved Notice by the AWC. If your project has received Deferral/Not Approved,
you must revise your application as per the Notice and resubmit the revised application as a single PDF file directly to the AWC for review.
Pending Approval Notice
In some cases, the AWC may Pending Approve an application,
subject to specified changes being made to the application before the project
commences.
If your project has received Pending Approval from the AWC you must submit your revised application as a single PDF file directly
to the AWC for review. The project may not commence until you receive an official Approval Notice
or Approval with Conditions Notice.
Approval with Conditions Notice
In some cases, the AWC may approve a project that may commence immediately under the provision
that certain conditions are met in a timely
fashion, as stated in the Approval with Conditions Notice. These conditions vary from case to case and must be met according to the individual
deadlines as per the Notice and / or advice from the Animal Ethics Officer.
Approval Notice
In some cases, the AWC may approve a project outright, which may commence immediately
as planned, with no additional conditions or
provisions placed on the project.
Types of Approval Notices
Over the duration of a project circumstances may change and it
may become necessary to modify your animal ethics approval.
Projects can be modified at any point using the Modification
Coversheet, which is submitted to the relevant Sub-Committee for
review. To request a change, complete the Modification
Coversheet and submit it along with a WORD version of your
approved application form WITH TRACK CHANGES highlighting
the requested change(s).
Please note, that in cases where the modifications alter the
originally approved aims of the project, a new application will need
to be submitted.
Modifications
Annual Reports
Researchers are required to submit an Annual Report of Progress to the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) by 1st
February each year, for the previous calendar year, for all projects which are subject to animal ethics approval.
If an Annual Report of Progress is not received by this time, ethics approval will be withdrawn and the researcher and
relevant Animal Facility Manager will receive notification that the project has been suspended. The relevant College,
the DVCR, and the relevant funding body (if applicable) will be notified in the event that a project is suspended as a
result of a researcher’s failure to meet the reporting requirements of the AWC, as this is considered to be a
performance issue. The project may only resume following the submission and approval of a new application for
animal ethics approval.
You can download the template for the Annual Report of Progress from the AWC
website:
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-ethics/animal-ethics_home.cfm
Final Reports
Researchers are required to submit a Final Report to the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) for any projects which are
subject to animal ethics approval by 1st February, for the previous calendar year, unless a request for extension of
ethics approval has been received by 31st December in the year of expiry.
The relevant College, the DVCR, and relevant funding body/bodies (if applicable) will be notified in the event that a
researcher fails to submit a Final Report to the AWC by this time, as this is considered to be a performance issue. At
the expiration of the animal ethics approval, the relevant Animal Facility Manager will be advised that the use of animals
in the project must now cease.
You can download the template for the Final Report from the AWC
website:
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-ethics/animal-ethics_home.cfm
Who should you contact if you need help completing new application forms, modification forms, or
any other animal ethics related paperwork?
The Animal Ethics Officer is available anytime to help with the completion of animal ethics related paperwork (for
example: new application forms, modification forms, Annual Reports, Final Reports, Clinical Record Sheet, Running
Mortality Sheets, etc).
The Animal Ethics Officer can be contacted via:
Email:
Phone: (08) 8201 5962
Mobile: 0433 122 700
Drop-in visit: Research Development & Support office, Union Building basement
The Code specifies that Principal Investigators have overall
responsibility for the welfare of animals involved in their
approved projects. Even if you are not the Principal
Investigator, you are still personally responsible for the
animals you work with within in a project.
A reminder that only after you have received an Approval Notice
from the Animal Welfare Committee can you order animals,
commence fieldwork, or start working with animals already
obtained. In addition, you are required to submit an amendment
for a project to the AWC and receive approval prior to
implementing any changed conditions.
Take note of the responsibilities listed above. If you do not
adhere to them your participation in a project may be cancelled
or the entire project could be suspended. Remember that you
cannot start your project until you have approval from the AWC.
If you are using animals in one of the Animal Facilities the
Facility Manager must also give you permission to commence
your project.
Your Responsibilities
An important part of our responsibility to animal care is monitoring and the assessment of clinical signs during research projects. If you have
animals under your care, you are responsible for monitoring their well-being on a daily basis.
This can be done by the member of the research
team or by the Animal Facility staff, provided prior arrangements have been made. The Code is very explicit in emphasizing that the principal
investigator has ultimate responsibility for all animals in a project in addition to the individual responsibility of each person associated with the
project.
Records should be maintained of your daily monitoring between intervention procedures. The Maintenance Monitoring Sheet is an easy to
use template and may be found on the AWC
website: http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-
ethics/resources/forms.cfm
When you conduct intervention procedures it will be necessary to monitor the animals more frequently using pre-determined clinical criteria.
This criteria and frequency of monitoring is determined by the principal investigator and the AWO, and is then ratified by the AWC once the
project application has been accepted. You can obtain both the Clinical Record Coversheet (which describes the criteria) and the Clinical
Record Sheets, on the same webpage as the Maintenance Monitoring Sheet.
The AWC usually expects that animals will be clinically graded from once to twice daily for 48 hours after any intervention procedure.
Monitoring
An example of a clinical criteria used in scoring is the Facial Grimace Score, which has been validated for post-surgical pain assessment in rats,
mice, and rabbits. An example of this scoring system is shown above.
To view the above file as a pdf, visit here:
https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10940/Rat%20grimace%20scale%20NC3Rs.pdf
A similar poster is available for mice, but remember that mice show different facial characteristics when in pain:
https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10940/Mouse%20grimace%20scale%20NC3Rs.pdf
Clinical scores are used to objectively determine the status of the well-being of an animal. Scores are tallied and if they reach a pre-determined
intervention point, consultation with the AWO, treatment, or euthanasia may be required. We do this in order to provide animals with humane
endpoints to avoid unrelieved suffering and distress.
Facial Grimace Score
Maintenance Monitoring Sheets are designed to be used when there is a low risk to animal well-being, and when no intervention
procedures are being undertaken. This sheet can be used when no procedures
are undertaken, and when no welfare impacts are expected
(i.e. following complete recovery from a procedure or intervention, where no welfare impacts
are expected). All animals are checked once
daily
, all cages recorded on the one sheet, and if any anomaly is recorded the animal concerned is then transcribed to a Clinical Record Sheet
and is monitored twice daily. See the example below:
Example: https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10949/Maintenance%20Monitoring%20Sheet%20examp
le.pdf
Clinical Record Coversheets are used to define the clinical criteria, score weighting, and intervention criteria in a project. Check the example
shown below:
Example:
https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10949/Coversheet%20clinical%20score%20criteria%20
example.pdf
Clinical Record Sheets are used to record scores on clinical assessment, tally scores, record intervention points, and humane endpoints.
Clinical Record Sheets can be used during and immediately following a procedure or intervention, or whenever welfare impacts are expected
.
All animals are checked a minimum of once daily
, with one animal recorded per sheet.
Example: https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10949/Clinical%20Record%20Sheet%20example.pdf
Please download templates direct from the AWC website every time you need them to ensure you are using the current version.
These templates are regularly updated, and outdated versions will NOT be accepted.
Monitoring Sheets
It is important to know before you start what would constitute an Unexpected Adverse Event (UAE) in your
project. In your applications, make sure you describe all potential adverse problems and the frequency at which
they might occur. Discuss how you will monitor these problems and reduce their severity and frequency within
the application. This will avoid you having to submit lots of UAE reports. If you have something like this happen,
the AWC, represented by the AWO, must know immediately in case any further problems arise.
If you keep the AWC informed you will have their support, and this may be essential for managing such difficult
situations.
• If an Unexpected Adverse Event occurs - Inform the Animal Welfare Officer within 24 hours. Contact the
AWO by phoning or sending a SMS text to: 0450 424 143. The AWO is available 24/7 for emergency
consultation so there is no excuse for not notifying the appropriate authorities. If the AWO is not available,
notify the Animal Facility Manager within the same time frame and explain that you have not yet contacted
the AWO.
• A post-mortem examination MUST be performed (following an unexpected adverse event) according to
the Post-Mortem Examination Guidelines document.
• You must submit an Unexpected Adverse Event Form, available on the "Managing your ethics approval"
webpage, within 3 working days to the Animal Ethics Officer (
[email protected].au).
• When you submit your UAE Form, you must include relevant Clinical Records Sheets, Maintenance
Monitoring Sheets, and a completed Post-Mortem Examination Form. The Post-Mortem Examination Form
can be obtained from the AWC website, Animal Facility Manager, the Animal Ethics Officer, or the AWO.
If Something Goes Wrong ...
• Training in animal care, handling, and technical procedures is available through the Animal
Facility Manager's and the AWO.
• The Animal Ethics Officer can assist in the development of AWC project applications.
• The AWO can provide veterinary advice in clinical monitoring criteria, establishment of
intervention points, determination of humane endpoints, selection and use of analgesic
and anaesthetic agents.
• The Animal Ethics Officer (ani[email protected]) can assist you with the AWC
application process, reports, and reviews.
• Ensure you are familiar with the Code available on the AWC
website:
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-
ethics/about.cfm
• Bookmark the Flinders University Animal Ethics website
(
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-ethics/animal-
ethics_home.cfm
) for any information relating to the use of animals at Flinders University,
and for managing your ethics approvals.
Resources
Also consider consulting the following resources:
• Animal Facility Standard Operating Procedures (http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-
ethics/resources/sops.cfm)
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health - Altweb - Global clearinghouse for information on alternatives to animal
testing (http://altweb.jhsph.edu/)
• Guidelines to promote the wellbeing of animals used for scientific purposes
(https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10447/ea18.pdf)
• Guidelines for the generation, breeding, care and use of genetically modified and cloned animals for scientific purposes
(
https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10447/ea17.pdf)
• A Guide to the care and use of Australian native mammals in research and teaching
(
https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10447/ea29_guide_aus_native_mammals_14100
3.pdf
)
• Australian code for the responsible conduct of research
(https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10447/code.pdf)
• Wildlife Ethics Committee, 2013, Euthanasia of research animals in the field policy, DEWNR, South Australian Government
(
https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10447/wec-euthanasia-of-research-animals-
policy-gen.pdf)
• American Veterinary Medical Association, 2013, AVMA Guidelines for the euthanasia of animals: 2013 edition
(https://flo.flinders.edu.au/pluginfile.php/1675303/mod_lesson/page_contents/10447/euthanasia.pdf)
• Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching website
(
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/ANZCCART/)
Resources
If you require scavenged tissues from animals that have already died, or you wish to undertake a project
that you believe does not require AWC approval, you must inform the Animal Ethics Officer before you
commence. You can contact the Animal Ethics Officer by email at:
animal.welfare@flinders.edu.au
Scavenged Tissues
Hello, I am your Animal Welfare Officer (AWO). My job is
to assist you to comply with the requirements of the
University's Animal Welfare Committee (AWC)
and the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals
for Scientific Purposes, 2013. I am registered with the
Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia and a
certified member, by examination, of the Animal Welfare
Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of
Veterinary Scientists. My background includes additional
qualifications and extensive experience in veterinary
practice and vocational training/assessment.
Please look at the following slides and answer the simple
questions that follow so you can understand my role at the
university.
Animal Welfare Officer Introduction
My role as the Animal Welfare Officer is to:
• Provide veterinary and welfare advice to you, the Animal Welfare Committee, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor
(Research),
• Develop policies and procedures relating to animals in teaching and research,
• Promote awareness and compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 1985 and the Code,
• Authorise and implement emergency action to protect the welfare of animals,
• Monitor projects and facilities,
• Monitor your intervention points and humane endpoints,
• Conduct ethical review of projects and courses, and
• Provide training and assessment in procedures involving animals.
I can help you with:
• Developing applications for the subcommittees and the Animal Welfare Committee,
• Assessing the welfare impact of your research and procedures,
• Applying and integrating the 3Rs into your research with animals,
• Selecting and using veterinary anaesthetics, analgesics, and other drugs,
• Developing, reviewing, and modifying Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for review by the AWC, and
• Trouble shooting Unexpected Adverse Events (UAE) with you.
Role of the AWO
It is important that you are aware of the parts of the Animal Welfare Act 1985, the Code and the NHMRC Guidelines that
are relevant to your work, because I monitor:
• Your AWC approvals and projects,
• The animals under your care and responsibility,
• Your technical skills and procedures which potentially have an impact on animals,
• Your Cage Cards and Clinical Record Sheets,
• Your SOPs and your ability to follow these relating to welfare, and
• The sourcing, supply, transport, facilities, and final destination of the animals under your care.
AWO - Awareness and Compliance
• My monitoring occurs with and without your notice.
• I am required to submit my reports to the AWC.
• Please ensure that all your records and Clinical Record Sheets are up to date and are written in clear
and simple script, so even I can read it!
• It is crucial that cage/enclosure cards are accurate and contain the AWC Approval Number and animal
identification.
• I take particular interest in the intervention points described on your Clinical Record Sheets and will
investigate to ensure humane endpoints are achieved.
AWO Monitoring of Projects and Facilities
Seek my help early in project development, during its progress, and in review. My veterinary and welfare advice carries
weight with the AWC. If you pre-empt problems by seeking my support you will reduce the number of Unexpected Adverse
Events (UAE) and difficulties in your project.
Don't go it alone - get my help so I can support you.
Remember that I have extensive adult education and assessment experience relating to animal welfare. I (or our experienced
researchers or our trained technicians) can help you learn to:
• Handle and restrain animals confidently,
• Give medication and collect samples,
• Administer and maintain anaesthesia, and
• Conduct aseptic surgical techniques.
Why Get the AWO Involved?
The AWO works half time and is available on campus on
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and every second Friday.
Remember - your compliance with the directions of the
AWC is a legal requirement.
My desk is located in the Research Development and
Support office, Basement Level, Union Building.
For emergencies, ring or send a SMS to 0450 424
143 anytime
Email me at: awo@flinders.edu.au
Location of the AWO
In an emergency - Ring me or send a SMS text to 0450 424 143
• I am on call 24/7 - for researchers, supervisors and technicians.
• My duty is to respond to crises in animal welfare.
• I can take emergency action to protect welfare independently of AWC approval and without your
permission - this includes modifying or cancelling projects, and means that I have the authority to
suspend an approved project.
• The AWO represents the DVCR and the AWC in these actions.
• I seek to liaise closely with the principal investigators, Animal Facility Manager's and staff, and you when
working in these situations.
So you need my help urgently - What do you do?
AWO Emergency Action
Role of the Committee
To ensure that any research at Flinders using genetically modified organisms and
pathogenic microorganisms is carried out according to regulations stipulated by the
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and Australian Standards.
In terms of animal work, approval is required for work with:
• a genetically modified (GM) animal;
• a non-GM animal containing a GM microoorganism; and
• a GM or non-GM animal containing a pathogenic microorganism.
Please check the Biosafety website (
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-
support/ebi/biosafety/biosafety_home.cfm
) for further information or
contact
ibcadmin@flinders.edu.
Flinders University Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) hosts a 1 hour Animal Researcher Information Session (ARIS) at least twice a year
for ALL researchers to be informed of recent updates and changes implemented, to refresh their knowledge and
understanding of current thinking in animal welfare, and to be aware of current best practice. This is followed by an open
panel discussion of issues raised by the participants.
Researchers must attend Animal Researcher Information Session (ARIS). Attendance is strongly endorsed by the Deputy
Vice-Chancellor(Research) (DVCR), and it is a requirement of the Code that you remain up-to-date with current best practice
and animal ethics guidelines.
Bookings are not required for Animal Researcher Information Session as attendance is taken at the start of the seminar.
Check the AWC website Training page (
http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/researcher-support/ebi/animal-
ethics/resources/training.cfm
) for more details regarding the next event time and location.
Ongoing Training
There are different, even contrasting views about animals out in the public space. You should be mindful of different views
both in society and in your own scientific community.
Many members of the public understand that the use of animals in research is essential for medical progress, human and
animal welfare. However, other groups in the community, such as animal rights groups, see the use of animals as
unjustified because it treats animals as a commodity and exploits them.
Others see that the issue of the inherent value of individual animal life is secondary to that of suffering. These people view
that we have to balance harm versus benefit. In this view we need to justify the use of animals in teaching and research
while minimising the harm we cause. Let us aspire to providing the best for the animals we work with while serving the
community and the environment in advancing knowledge, scientific progress, medical research, and animal and
environment conservation.
There are Tensions in the Field of Animal Research and Teaching
What is ANZCCART?
• Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) Ltd.
• ANZCCART is a not – for – profit Company set up 28 years ago to provide leadership in response to increasing concerns and to help develop
community consensus on ethical, social and scientific issues relating to the use of animals in research and teaching.
Who is ANZCCART ?
• Members of the ANZCCART Council include: Universities Australia, ARC, CSIRO, Royal Society NZ, NHMRC, Qld DPI, DPIPWE(Ta s), Dept
Local Govt & Regional Development WA, DPI Vic, NSW Dept Agriculture, Aust Vet Assoc, Agric & Vet Chem Assoc, SA Dept Environment,
Water & Natural Resources, RSPCA, ASI, and ANZLAA.
What does ANZCCART believe?
• To achieve its mission ANZCCART will promote:
1. Excellence in the care of animals that have to be used in research and teaching;
Responsible scientific use of animals;
2. The 3R’s policy of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement;
3. Informed discussion and debate within the community regarding these matters; and
4. Strategic partnerships to contribute to the education and training of scientists, students and the broader community.
ANZCCART
What can ANZCCART do for you?
• Free service for AEC members and support staff.
• Free service for researchers, academics, students, etc.
1. ANZCCART mailing list (including ANZCCART News, Occasional mail out of relevant information / notices, etc);
2. ANZCCART Web site www.adelaide.edu.au/ANZCCART/ ;
3. AEC member induction package (including Email enquiry line, Access to Fact Sheets, & some ANZCCART publications, etc); and
4. Advice on anaesthesia, analgesia & euthanasia techniques, housing & transport conditions, etc.
Books
Fact Sheets
ANZCCART
