Terms of reference

This page outlines the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) Terms of Reference – download the full Terms of reference (PDF 186.0 KB).

Responsibility

The PIRSA AEC is responsible for ensuring all research, teaching and experimentation using animals by PIRSA personnel or collaborators is compliant with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes which aims to:

  • emphasise the responsibilities of investigators, teachers and institutions using animals
  • ensure that the welfare of animals is always considered
  • ensure that the use of animals is justified
  • avoid pain or distress for each animal used in scientific and teaching activities
  • minimise the number of animals used in projects
  • promote the development and use of techniques which replace animal use in scientific and teaching activities.

Applications submitted to the committee

  • The committee does not directly receive applications.
  • The committee will consider all proposals at their scheduled meetings before making recommendations or advising of their approval.

Appeals

Any decision by the committee may be appealed by following the PIRSA Animal Ethics Committee Complaints Process (PDF 255.4 KB).

Legislation

The Animal Welfare Act 1985 regulates the use of animals for teaching, research or experimentation in South Australia.

We are licensed under the Act to acquire and use animals subject to the following conditions:

  • The acquisition and use of animals for research or teaching must not commence before
    • all information requested by the PIRSA Animal Ethics Committee has been supplied
    • the PIRSA Animal Ethics Committee has granted approval.
  • Adequate animal care, housing and handling is maintained.
  • Proper and adequate post-procedural care, including appropriate veterinary attention, must be provided for the animals.
  • Animals must be treated humanely and in accordance with the Act and associated regulations.
  • All procedures are to be carried out in accordance with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

Contact us

If you have any questions about ethics approval or the committee, please contact the Executive Officer, PIRSA Animal Ethics Committee

PIRSA.AnimalEthics@sa.gov.au
Page last reviewed: 08 Dec 2023

 


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