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Animal research ethical issues

The Animal Welfare Committee plays an important role in ensuring that the highest ethical standards apply to NHMRC funded research involving the use of animals for scientific purposes and that the NHMRC addresses relevant animal welfare issues as they evolve or emerge.

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Guidelines to promote the wellbeing of animals used for scientific purposes: The assessment and alleviation of pain and distress in research animals

The guidelines were developed to promote the wellbeing of animals used for scientific purposes and aim to minimise their experience of pain and distress.  They advocate the consideration of an animal’s “whole of life” experiences, argue the potential risk to the reliability/validity of research data from unintended pain or distress, and promote the 3R’s (replacement of animal research with other types of research when possible, reduction of the number of animals used in research and refinement of research techniques to minimise pain and distress).  They include strategies to identify, minimise and manage pain and distress and a series of fact sheets to provide guidance for researchers.

The guidelines were developed, after extensive public consultation, by a working group consisting of Animal Welfare Committee Members, researchers and experts from institutions on animal care authorities.

The guidelines should be read in conjunction with the 2004 NHMRC Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

The guidelines have been produced in an A4 loose leaf folder and will be updated as required. Changes will be publicised on the NHMRC website.

Updates

Table H1 Methods of humane killing and euthanasia in rats and mice, page H4 has been updated as of 20 August 2008. All copies of the guidelines downloaded prior to this date can be updated by downloading the replacement page.

Guidelines for the generation, breeding, care and use of genetically modified and cloned animals for scientific purposes

The guidelines have been produced by the National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC's) Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) as introductory material to assist investigators, Animal Ethics Committees (AECs), animal technicians and the broader community when they consider research projects involving the generation and use of genetically modified and cloned animals of all species.

These include laboratory, agricultural, companion animals and wildlife developed and used in research. They should be read in conjunction with the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code) and the National Framework for the Development of Ethical Principles in Gene Technology.

Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 7th Edition, 2004

The Code encompasses all aspects of the care and use of, or interaction with, animals for scientific purposes in medicine, biology, agriculture, veterinary and other animal sciences, industry and teaching. It includes their use in research, teaching, field trials, product testing, diagnosis, the production of biological products and environmental studies.

The Code provides general principles for the care and use of animals, specifies the responsibilities of investigators and institutions, and details the terms of reference, membership and operation of AECs. It also provides guidelines for the humane conduct of scientific and teaching activities, and for the acquisition of animals and their care, including their environmental needs.

The Code covers all live non-human vertebrates and higher order invertebrates. Investiagors and teachers should take into account emerging knowledge, ethical values when proposing to use other animal species not covered by the Code. Animals in early stages of their development, that is in their embryonic, fetal and larval forms, can experience pain and distress but this occurs at different stages of development in different species and thus decisions as to their welfare should, where possible, be based on evidence of their neurobiological development.

Statement of compliance with the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes

A statement of compliance to be completed by the head/delegate of the institution responsible for compliance with the Code. The institution accepts responsibility for the care of all animals used for scientific purposes by the institution (upon signing Statement of Compliance)

NHMRC Policy on the care and use of non-human primates for scientific purposes

Background notes for investigators, animal ethics committees and animal care staff on the care and use of non-human primates for scientific purposes.

New NHMRC Guidelines for monoclonal antibody production, 2008

The production of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) using animals involves procedures which have the potential to produce significant pain and distress. The guidelines issued by the NHMRC in 2001, were put under review in February 2008. This involved a period of public consultation between February and March 2008.  Comments received as part of the public consultation process were considered in developing the final document, which was issued by the NHMRC on 7 December 2008.

The use of the ascites method for Mab production has the potential to cause significant pain and distress to animals and in nearly all cases the in vitro method is an equally viable method.  For the ascites method to be approved, the 2008 Guidelines require that in vitro methods have been shown to be unsuitable for the specific Mab which is the subject of the application, and that this has been verified by an independent institution with expertise in the in vitro production of Mabs.

NHMRC Policy on the care of dogs used for scientific purposes

This policy has been developed by the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) in response to the Committee's concern about the housing and care of dogs in some research and teaching institutions.

NHMRC Guidelines on the use of animals for training surgeons and demonstrating new surgical equipment and techniques

This document was developed in response to requests from Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) for guidance when they are considering applications for the use of animals to train surgeons in new techniques and how to use new technology.

Information for AECs (Animal Ethics Committees)

Newsletters for AECs on the activities of the Animal Welfare Committee

Brochure for Category D Members on AECs

This brochure was produced to help category D members of AECs in their role as independent members.

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Contact for more information

Postal address

Director, Health and Research Ethics
National Health and Medical Research Council ,
GPO Box 1421
CANBERRA ACT 2601

Email address

ethics@nhmrc.gov.au

Telephone

(02) 6217 9070

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