Applies to: University-wide
Approved by: Council
1 Terms of Reference
1.1 To ensure that the standards
of the Code of Practice, as they relate to the acquisition,
transport, housing, care and use of all animals, are maintained on a
continuing basis.
1.2 To develop principles and
guidelines in respect of animal experimentation and welfare,
including the consideration, where feasible, of alternatives to the
use of live animals in experimentation.
1.3 To examine written proposals
relevant to the use of animals in experiments and approve only those
experiments which conform to the Code of Practice, taking into
consideration ethical aspects as well as scientific or educational
merit.
1.4 To ensure that all persons
involved in animal care and use are appropriately trained and
competent.
1.5 To maintain a register of
approved experimental proposals, including a description of
techniques and the names of those using animals for experimental
purposes.
1.6 To ensure that all
experimenters maintain records of animal usage.
1.7 To ensure that the
requirements of all relevant Commonwealth, State and Territory
legislation are met.
2 Composition
In keeping with the Code of Practice, an AEEC must consist of at least
four persons, with the power to co-opt additional members to provide
expert advice on particular questions. The Chair should have
recognised scientific and administrative experience, and at least one
member must not be an employee of Swinburne. The expertise and
experience of members must encompass the following categories:
(a) training in veterinary clinical
practice, laboratory animal science or livestock husbandry
appropriate to the species of animals used in Swinburne;
(b) involvement in animal experimentation.
As part of the monitoring of compliance with the Australian Code of
Practice of the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, the
Animal Welfare Committee of the NH&MRC's Medical
Research Committee (ACCART News, 5, No. 3, Spring 1992) specifies
that the following categories should be filled:
(c) by a person with a demonstrated
commitment to animal welfare on a broader front - in animal pounds or
shelters, in the broad animal welfare organisations (e.g.: RSPCA)
and in other organisations whose primary aim is to improve the
welfare of animals. The aim of the Code is to ensure that a
person with a specific animal welfare perspective, and with a
sensitivity to the concerns of animal welfare organisations,
is appointed. The Code requires that they are not associated
with the particular research institution, and are not involved in the
care or use of animals for research or teaching;
(d) by a person who brings an impartial view
to the committee, equivalent to the lay members of human
experimentation ethics committees. Ideally, this person should
have no other association with the institution, and should not be a
person who would fit any of the other three categories. In many
committees, this member sees her/his job as ensuring that the proper
processes are carried out, that all proposals are properly
considered, and that the committee acts fairly.
As approved by Swinburne Council on 11
May 1987, membership of the Swinburne AEEC is as follows:
Category a, A member appointed by Council if a Member in Category b
does not have the required expertise;
Category b, Head, School of
Engineering and
Science or nominee, Head, School of
Biophysical Sciences and
Electrical Engineering or nominee.
Category c, As above, in compliance with the
Code;
Category d, As above, in compliance with the
Code.
3 Monitoring
Under requirement 2.2.30 Annual Review of the Australian Code of
Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes
(reprinted with alternations 1991):
Experiments of long duration and the long term continuing use of
individual animals must be reviewed annually by the AEEC or more
frequently if considered desirable.
