The Code
of Practice for the care and use of animals for
scientific purposes (NHMRC, 7th edition, 2004) states
that:
‘Members of the AEC should inspect all animal
housing and laboratory areas regularly and record
their findings.’ (2.2.29 Code of Practice)
‘As a guide, AEC’s should routinely inspect
animal holding areas at least annually and preferably
more frequently’ (2.2.32 Code of Practice)
In order to ensure compliance with this requirement
of the Code
of Practice, the University of Tasmania Animal
Ethics Committee (AEC) has implemented a policy of
registration and regular inspection of all animal
facilities.
The registration of animal holding, experimentation,
transportation or breeding facilities, on behalf of
the University, is conducted by the Animal Ethics
Committee in conjunction with relevant Heads of Schools.
Heads of Schools are required to provide detailed
information on all facilities, within their School,
used for the care and use of animals as defined by
the NHMRC Code of Practice. The AEC will then issue
a Facility Agreement for all facilities detailed by
the Head of School. Under this Agreement, the Head
of School takes responsibility for ensuring compliance
of each facility with the Code of Practice and permits
the AEC to conduct regular scheduled inspections of
the facility and random, unannounced inspections.
The Head of School is obliged to inform the AEC of
any new facilities
in the School.
For a complete list of all registered
facilities, please click on this link or contact
the AEC
Secretary.
Inspections of facilities are conducted by an official
delegation of the AEC. Heads of Schools will be informed
of the date of the inspection at least one month prior
to the scheduled inspection date.
Inspections are based on an approved checklist.
Heads of Schools are informed of the findings of all
inspections within one month of the inspection taking
place. If specific recommendations are made by the
AEC as a result of the inspection, the Chair may discuss
the recommendations directly with the Head of School,
and/or may delegate responsibility to the Animal Welfare
Officer to liaise with the School.
In certain cases, approval may be given for work
to occur ‘in the field’ or at other research
venues if the AEC can be satisfied that the venue
(and transportation, if required) meets required standards.
In the case of field work, the Animal Welfare Officer
may monitor the work and may provide input as to the
appropriateness of the location/facilities.
If you would like to make comment, on this, or any
other AEC policy, please contact the AEC
Secretary on 6226 7283 or email animal.ethics@utas.edu.au
Draft inspection schedule for 2007:
|
|
AMC facilities at Beauty Point,
School of Aquaculture, Newnham. |
|
|
Medical Science Facilities
(Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy),
Central Animal House and Steps Building |
|
|
Aquaculture Facilities, TAFI
(Taroona) |
|
|
Clinical School (Discipline
of Medicine, Pathology) |
|
Thurs 6 Dec |
Zoology (including Forestry
CRC facility at Fleet Street and Plant Science
lab) |
Appendices:
Animal Facilities
Register Application Form
List of
UTAS Registered Facilities
Facilities
Inspection Checklist
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