Animal Research Ethics at the University of Tasmania

The use of vertebrate animals and cephalopods for research or teaching purposes must meet the requirements of the Tasmanian Animal Welfare Act 1993 and the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 7th edition 2004 (enacted under the Act).

The legislation embodies the principles of reduction in the number of animals used, replacement of animals with non-animal alternatives, and refinement of techniques and procedures to reduce the impact on animals (The “Three Rs”).

The University of Tasmania Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) has been established under Tasmanian legislation, to oversee the care and use of animals in research and teaching at the University of Tasmania. University staff and students must obtain approval from the Committee if they wish to carry out ANY investigation that involves vertebrate animals or cephalopods which are alive or which are to be killed specifically for the investigation. Approval must be obtained for both research projects and teaching exercises.

Responsibilities of Investigators and Teachers
As stated in section 1 of the Code, “investigators and teachers who use animals for scientific purposes have personal responsibility for all matters relating to the welfare of these animals. They have an obligation to treat the animals with respect and to consider their welfare as an essential factor when planning or conducting projects.” (COP 1.4).

If in doubt about whether a project requires AEC approval, please refer to the AEC Handbook (309KB word doc) or contact the Secretary for advice.