Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Public Schools Procedures

1. Policy supported

Use of Animals in Public Schools Policy

2. Scope

These procedures apply to principals and teachers in public schools.

3. Procedures

3.1 Approval

Teachers must:

• prior to seeking approval, refer to the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th Edition 2013;
• submit an application using the Animal Ethics System (login required) and obtain written approval from the Schools Animal Ethics Committee prior to the commencement of a scientific teaching activity; and
• submit an amendment notification if there is any variation to the activity, including staff changes, to the original proposal and not proceed until approval has been granted by the Schools Animal Ethics Committee.

3.2 Reporting

Teachers must:

• where animals are used for a scientific teaching activity, complete a Completion Report via the Animal Ethics System (login required) at the completion of the activity; and
• where approval is granted to undertake the activity on a recurring basis, the principal must submit an Annual Report via the Animal Ethics System (login required) at the completion of the activity each year, or by the last day of Term 4.

3.3 Illness/injury, death or unexpected incident

Principals or teachers must:

• seek appropriate veterinary assistance and treatment, in a timely manner when  an animal experiences an illness, injury or unexpected incident; and
• complete an Unexpected adverse event report and forward it to the Executive Officer of the Schools Animal Ethics Committee within one working day of the event.

3.4 Record keeping

Teachers must maintain records of the use, care and monitoring of animals that are sufficient to enable the Schools Animal Ethics Committee to verify that the wellbeing of animals has been monitored as agreed and allow review and critical investigation of the cause(s) of and responses to unexpected adverse events.

3.5 Displaying the licence

Principals must confirm that a copy of the Department’s current Animal Use Licence is on display in any place where animals are used for scientific purposes.

4. Definitions

5. Related documents

6. 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               

7. History of changes