This page has been prepared for users of the DPIPWE AEC and contains
information about the application process, application forms, what happens
after approval, AEC policies and guidelines and contains the answers to
frequently asked questions. When preparing new applications or reporting
against current projects, it is important that you read the information
contained on this page.
Why do I need Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) approval?
The humane treatment of animals is a community expectation embodied in law.
AEC approval is a legal requirement for scientific activities involving the use of animals.
The Department's AEC derives its authority from two sources, each with a slightly different but overlapping focus and different legal status:
- Australian code for the care and use of animals forscientific purposes, 8th Edition, 2013 (the Code). The Code provides the framework for national consistency in the humane care and use of animals for any scientific purpose, and sets out the functions and practices of animal ethics committees; and
- The Tasmanian Animal Welfare Act 1993 (the Act), which sets out the legal framework to ensure the welfare of animals used for any purpose, including for research in Tasmania. The Code has been approved as the relevant Code of Practice under the Act.
Under the Act, a person must not carry out any animal research unless they do so as part of an institution licensed under Part 4 of the Act (Section 27). A licence will not be granted unless the institution has a properly constituted AEC.** It is also a condition of its licence that an institution must not commence animal research until the research is approved by the AEC [Section 30(3) of the Act].
DPIPWE is a licensed institution and has established its AEC in accordance with the Code to oversee internal projects. The DPIPWE AEC also provides services to some licensed institutions and independent investigators in Tasmania that do not have their own AEC, and where the research proposed is in the public interest. To access DPIPWE AEC services, a Sharing Agreement application is required.
- the owner of an animal who conducts observational studies on the animal; or
- a person who administers veterinary treatment to an animal for the welfare of the animal; or
- a person who conducts normal animal management operations.
All animal use for scientific purposes - which covers the acquisition,
development or demonstration of knowledge or techniques in any area of science
including research, teaching, field trials, product testing, diagnosis, the
production of biological products and environmental studies - must be conducted
in accordance with the Code. The purpose of the Code is to ensure the
humane care of animals used specifically for scientific purposes.
** Note: The Act uses the term "Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee" but the Code refers to "animal ethics committee", and this is the normal usage.
Who needs AEC approval?
If you are proposing to carry out animal research as defined in the Act
you must obtain AEC approval prior to undertaking this research. The definition of 'animal research' under the Act is as follows:
"animal research" means a procedure, test, experiment, inquiry or study on an animal which -
- is undertaken to develop, demonstrate or acquire knowledge, or techniques in an area of science or teaching; and
- is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the welfare of the animal."
The
DPIPWE webpage on animal research provides useful guidance on "What is animal research?", and "What is an animal?".
Projects may require AEC approval for other reasons including:
- internal and collaborating institution policy or programs;
- conditions of funding;
- publishing rules; or
- permit requirements.
The AEC may also consider proposals to use animals for purposes such as
teaching, demonstrations, environmental studies or field trials.
It is your responsibility as investigator to check whether your project
needs AEC approval for legal or any of these other reasons.
What if I do not have AEC approval?
If you do not have AEC approval and you are conducting research with
animals as defined in the Act, you may be in breach of the law, particularly
Sections 8 (Cruelty to animals) and 9 (Aggravated cruelty) of the Act.You are protected from Sections 8 (Cruelty to animals) and 9 (Aggravated
cruelty) if you are conducting research which is carried out: - with the approval of the Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee;
- in accordance with any procedures approved by the Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee; and
- in accordance with a Code of Practice relating to animal research.
Thus, to ensure that all AEC members are provided with sufficient
information to participate in the assessment of applications, it is essential
that they are written in plain English. Where the use of scientific
language is unavoidable applicants must ensure that a suitable lay description
or glossary of terms is provided.
External applications can be submitted directly to
the AEC Executive Officer by either:
Please note that incomplete or unsigned
applications will not be accepted.
What if I have already carried out my project? Will the AEC consider approving my project retrospectively?
No, the AEC will not consider approving any project
retrospectively. It is the responsibility of the investigators to ensure that
they have all necessary approvals before carrying out a project using
animals.
What happens if my project is being conducted jointly under the auspices of at least two institutions?
If staff from more than one institution are participating in your
project, you will need to consider your obligations to the AECs of all
participating institutions. AECs from each participating institution may need
to approve and be kept informed of your project or the institutions may agree
that one AEC could be the 'lead' AEC and keep the other AEC(s) informed.
There may need to be an agreement between each institution to ensure that all
parties involved are aware of and can meet their respective responsibilities
under the requirements of the Code and relevant legislation.
Who comprises the AEC?
The Act requires
AECs to be properly constituted in accordance with the Code. The Code requires
the AEC to have a membership that will allow it to fulfil its Terms of Reference.
The AEC must be comprised of a Chairperson and at least four persons,
including a separate person appointed to each of four categories.
- Category A -
a person with qualifications in veterinary science and with experience relevant
to the activities of the institution.
- Category B -
a suitably qualified person with substantial recent experience in the use of
animals in scientific or teaching activities.
- Category C -
a person with demonstrable commitment to and established experience in
furthering the welfare of animals, who is not employed by or otherwise
associated with the institution.
- Category D
- a person who is both independent of the institution and who has never been
involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities.
-
The AEC must also have a Chairperson who may
or may not be an additional member of one of the categories of membership
How do I apply for AEC approval?
If you are required to have AEC approval to use animals in your project,
contact the AEC.
DPIPWE investigators and investigators from other institutions with
permission to access the DPIPWE AEC can download an application form from the
AEC Forms webpage.
When drafting your application it is important to remember that most AEC
members are non-scientists. Thus, to ensure that all AEC members are provided
with sufficient information to participate in the assessment of applications,
it is essential that they are written in plain English. Where the use of
scientific language is unavoidable applicants must ensure that a suitable lay
description or glossary of terms is provided.
External applications can be submitted directly to the AEC Executive Officer by
either:
Please note that incomplete or unsigned
applications will not be accepted.
Do I need to have my application submitted by a particular date?
Yes. The AEC meets every six weeks to consider applications and reports
in-session. The deadline for submissions is two weeks prior to each meeting.
The AEC Meeting Schedule lists upcoming meeting dates and submission deadlines,
confirmed for the first 6 months and tentative dates for the second 6 months.
Please note that applications received after a submission deadline has closed
will be considered in the next period, and this will need to be taken into
account when planning a research project. Applications will only be considered
for late acceptance should there be extenuating circumstances.
At the discretion of the AEC an urgent application may be considered
out-of-session should the immediate use of animals be required for the
diagnosis of unexplained and severe disease outbreaks, or morbidity/mortality
in animals or people. All other applications will be considered at in-session
meetings only
What happens once my application is submitted?
The Chief Investigator will receive an email from the AEC Executive
Officer to confirm receipt of the application and with the AEC number allocated
to the project. If you do not receive this confirmation it is advisable to
contact the AEC Executive Officer to ensure your application was received.
Applications are circulated to AEC members prior to each AEC meeting. Any
questions raised will be forwarded to the Chief Investigator for response. The
Chief Investigator may be invited to attend an AEC meeting to provide further
information on a research project.
In reviewing applications the AEC will refer to the Code, the Act, any other
relevant guidelines and standards developed for the ethical treatment of
animals. Approval will only be granted to research projects for which animals
are essential and justified and which conform to the requirements of the Code
and the Act. The AEC will take into consideration several factors including
ethics, the impact on the animal or animals and the anticipated scientific and
educational value of the research.
After considering an application, the Committee
will make one of four decisions:
- "Approved": The proposed use of animals is approved and
work using animals may commence.
- "Approved with conditions": The proposed use of animals
is approved and work may commence. However, the Committee has placed
additional restrictions, requirements or conditions on the approval which
must be adhered to.
- "Not approved (further information required)": The
Committee views the application favourably, however, cannot approve the
proposed use of animals until further satisfactory information is provided
and considered.
- "Not approved": The proposed use of animals is not
approved. Re-submission of the application unchanged will not change the outcome.
If the application is
approved the Chief Investigator will be issued with an Animal Research Approval
Certificate which they must retain for their records. The Approval Certificate
outlines the conditions for each project, and these must be adhered to as
approval may be withdrawn for projects that do not comply with the conditions
outlined. If the application is not approved, the Chief Investigator will
be informed and invited to discuss possible avenues for its re-consideration by
the AEC.
Why do applications get rejected?
The Code states that the AEC can only approve those scientific and
teaching activities that conform to the requirements of all relevant sections
of the Code and legislation.
In determining whether a proposal meets the requirements of the Code, the AEC
must assess whether the proposed use of animals in the research or teaching
activity is justified. For the criteria used to assess justification for the
project, see section 1.1 of
the Code.
The AEC must consider whether the principles of Replacement, Reduction
and Refinement have been considered and can be adhered to. Proposals that do
not meet these requirements cannot be approved. These principles are explained
in the AEC website section on '
The 3 Rs'.
What does an Animal Research Approval Certificate cover?
AEC approval covers everything that has been detailed in your original
application. If any aspects of the project differ from that detailed in your
original application, you will need AEC approval to amend your project by
submitting an Amendment Request form.The AEC is not responsible for considering other permits that your
project might need. For information about other permits, see
Scientific permits (fauna), Wildlife Management Branch.
For how long can approval be granted?
Whilst there is no minimum approval time, there is
a maximum of three years per approval. If your approved project is going to
continue beyond three years, you will need to obtain additional approval for
the second and/or later stage(s). To do this you must submit a Final Report for
the current project and a new application for the next three years or the
remainder of your project. It is important to quote the AEC number for the
current project on the form. You will need to consider the AEC's meeting
schedule to ensure continuity of approval for your project.
When can I start my project?
You can commence your project once you receive your
Animal Research Approval Certificate signed by the AEC Chair, as long as you
have already received any other permits which your project might need.
What are the obligations of investigators?
Conducting your project
As an investigator, you are responsible for
ensuring that your project complies with the Act and the Code. This includes
complying with the conditions of your institution's animal research licence and
the conditions of AEC approval for projects.
The Code defines an investigator to be 'any person who uses animals for
scientific purposes' and states that 'investigators and teachers who use
animals for scientific purposes have personal responsibility for all matters
relating to the welfare of these animals. They have an obligation to treat the
animals with respect and to consider their welfare as an essential factor when
planning or conducting projects.'
Investigators who are also employees of the State Service as defined in the
Tasmanian State Service Act 2000 must comply with the State Service Code
of Conduct and the State Service Principles.
The Code and the standard conditions of approval for an AEC project require investigators to keep the AEC informed of all project developments through reports, including:
- Annual reports (for projects lasting more than 12 months; these must be submitted no later than one month prior to each anniversary of approval);
- A final report upon conclusion of the project or its approval period (including if the project is completed or abandoned early);
- Annual animal usage report for each (calendar) year of the project due by 31 March of the following year; and
- An Unexpected Adverse Event report should an incident occur
Upon considering these reports, the Code provides that "an AEC may determine, on the basis of the report and further consultation with the investigator, that the project may continue, be suspended, require modification or be discontinued".
The AEC can also require extra reporting through conditions on Animal Research Approval Certificates.
How will my project be monitored?
The Code gives the AEC responsibility for ensuring, on behalf of institutions, that all care and use of animals is conducted in compliance with the Code. Monitoring and reporting requirements are set out in sections 2.3.17 to 2.3.29. At any time during the project the AEC may ask for further information from the Chief Investigator so that the AEC can ensure compliance.
The AEC may invite investigators to give presentations on their project at face-to-face meetings. The majority of these presentations are not mandatory, however they do provide a good opportunity for you as an investigator to meet the AEC members and answer questions on your project.
AEC monitoring visits to inspect project site(s) and animal handling practices are another way the AEC may seek further information about your project to ensure that the use of animals is consistent with what the AEC has approved. Apart from random site visits made by the AMO, the AEC may also request a monitoring visit to selected projects.
Given the need for the AEC to be able to contact Chief Investigators, it is important that during all active stages of your project you are easily contactable. If you are required to take a leave of absence during an active period you must nominate an alternative Chief Investigator to take your place in that period. This must be done via a
Project Team Variation form. See also Question 16.
How do I make a change to my project once it has been approved?
Approval from the AEC is based on the information
provided in your application. Any changes to your project must be approved
by the AEC prior to implementation. These include, but are not limited to:
- extensions to the approved period for a maximum of 6 months;
- numbers of animals used;
- species of animals used;
- changes to or addition of equipment or techniques;
- additional locations where animals are sourced from or where the
activities are to take place; and
- changes to the level of investigator responsibility or addition of investigators
working on your project.
To make any changes to your
project, you must submit an Amendment Request or Project Team Variation form, which are available on
the
AEC Forms webpage.
These requests to amend your project will be considered by the AEC in
the same way that an application is, and you will be notified of the AEC's
decision in writing.
Failure to seek prior AEC approval to change your project parameters may be
seen as a breach of the Code and of your project's Animal Research Approval
Certificate, and may result in AEC approval being withdrawn for your project.
My project may need other investigators who are not listed on my application form. Can additional investigators work on projects without needing AEC approval?
No - people who use animals for scientific or teaching purposes and who have not been approved by the AEC may be in breach of the Act
if they conduct a procedure, test, experiment, inquiry or study on an animal.
Proposals must contain the names of
all personnel involved with the project, their role and details of the experience and training that qualifies them to perform specific procedures on target animals of an approved project.
If investigators other than those listed on an application form and approved by the AEC are required to use animals for scientific or teaching purposes the Chief Investigator must notify the AEC and submit an application to amend the project using the
Project Team Variation form.
What is an unexpected adverse event? And what are the consequences of reporting or not reporting one?
An unexpected adverse event is an event which
impacts or may impact negatively on the wellbeing of an animal. The AEC Operating Procedures
further define adverse events as including animal escapes, unexpected illness,
injury or death, emergency treatment or euthanasia, or accidents to
investigators. They also set out details
of the unexpected adverse event reporting procedure. (See 5.2 Operating Procedures.)
The Code requires that investigators, teachers and animal facility managers
should promptly notify the AEC of any unexpected adverse events. Every
Animal Research Approval Certificate issued by the DPIPWE AEC also contains a
condition that adverse events, including unexpected deaths, must be reported to
the AEC Executive Officer within two days of the incident. The AEC may require the Chief Investigator to
submit an Unexpected Adverse Event Report within seven days of the
request. These reports are considered by
the AEC out-of-session, and decisions tabled at the next meeting.
If you are unsure whether or not an adverse event has occurred, please contact
the AEC Executive Officer within two days.
Failure to report an unexpected adverse event within two days is contrary to
your Animal Research Approval Certificate. In the absence of notification of unexpected
adverse events, the AEC is unable to fulfil its obligations to DPIPWE or other
licensed institutions to ensure that all care and use of animals by those
institutions is conducted in compliance with the Code.
What if I do not comply with the Act, the Code, or my project's Animal Research Approval Certificate?
Failure to comply with your project's Animal
Research Approval Certificate may result in the AEC withdrawing or suspending
approval of your project.
Failure to comply with the Act or Code in delivering your project will
jeopardise your institution's ability to conduct animal research work and
compromise your professional standing and that of others involved. Failure to
comply may also compromise your reputation within the community and could
result in prosecution for you and/or your institution.
Please refer to the AEC Compliance Policy for more information on compliance.
Does the AEC help personnel involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes learn more about their obligations under the Act and the Code?
The AEC holds regular training sessions for
investigators involved in animal research or other scientific and teaching
activities using animals. Chief Investigators and Alternative Chief
Investigators of current projects are required to attend a training session prior
to the commencement of the project and must ensure the attendance of other
investigators during the term of their approved projects.
To find out about the next training session, contact the AEC Executive Officer.