Use of Animals in Public Schools Policy

1. Policy statement

The Department of Education requires all employees to adhere to consistent and high quality practices for the care and use of animals in schools.

2. Policy rules

When using animals for a scientific teaching activity principals and teachers must:

• adhere to the requirements of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition;
• obtain prior written approval from the Schools Animal Ethics Committee;
• where an activity is pre-approved by the Schools Animal Ethics Committee, adhere to any guidelines or Standard Operating Procedures that apply to the activity to be conducted; and
• report on the use of the animals in the manner prescribed by the Schools Animal Ethics Committee.

When using animals for teaching activities other than science, at an agricultural college or school with a farm, principals and school staff must:

• promote and protect the welfare, safety and health of animals;
• undertake proper and humane care and management of all animals in accordance with generally accepted standards, guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures that apply;
• ensure that students also adhere to high quality practices for the care and use of animals;
• obtain prior approval from the Director, Agricultural Education for activities not generally accepted as routine management; and
• report on the use of animals in the manner prescribed by the Director, Agricultural Education.

For animals kept on school premises, where the circumstances are not included in the above policy rules (for example, classroom pets and chickens in vegetable gardens) principals will be responsible for the welfare of these animals.

3. Responsibility for implementation and compliance

Principals are responsible for the implementation of the policy.

The Deputy Director General, Schools is responsible for compliance monitoring. 

4. Scope

This policy applies to principals and school staff in public schools.

5. Supporting procedures

Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Public Schools Procedures

Routine Care and Management of Animals in Public School Farms Procedures

6. Definitions

7. Related documents

8. Contact information

Policy manager:

Director, Agricultural Education       

Policy contact officer:

Consultant, Animals in Schools         

T: (08) 9264 5202

E: agriculturaleducation.services@education.wa.edu.au                                   

9. History of changes