ANIMAL WELFARE AND TRAINING UNIT
SURVEILLANCE/MONITORING
Research animal holding facilities, the animals held within them and the records associated with those animals are regularly inspected to ensure that animal research at the University of Newcastle complies with the relevant legislation. A triennial inspection is undertaken by members of the Animal Research Review Panel. This inspection is a part of the university's accreditation as an animal research institution and its licensing as a supplier of research animals. A regular inspection of each animal holding facility is undertaken by a subcommittee of the Animal Care and Ethics Committee. The Animal Care and Ethics Committee also undertakes inspection of particular animal research procedures of concern to the committee. A member of the Animal Welfare and Training Unit assists the Committee with these inspections. The Manager, Animal Welfare and Training also carries out regular inspections of animal holding facilities independent of ACEC subcommittee inspections and will inspect a particular holding facility or animal(s) in a research protocol in response to animal welfare concerns or complaints.
In accordance with section 2.2.34 of the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (“the Code”), the Manager, Animal Welfare and Training is authorised by the Animal Care and Ethics Committee (ACEC) to ensure that projects are proceeding in compliance with the Code and the decisions of the ACEC.
The Manager, Animal Welfare and Training, or other members of the Animal Welfare and Training Unit, may:
- Inspect research animals in breeding and holding facilities
- Inspect records kept by Animal Services Unit and research staff pertaining to those animals
- Request immediate cessation of any activities that are not compliant with the legislation or Code
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