Do I need a licence?
In Western Australia, there are two types of licences which may be issued under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (AW Act): a licence to use animals for scientific purposes; and a licence to supply animals for scientific purposes.
Any individual or institution using or supplying animals for scientific purposes must hold a licence under Part 2 of the AW Act. Animals covered by the AW Act include amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals excluding humans. Individuals or institutions may hold a licence to use animals for scientific purposes, a licence to supply animals for scientific purposes, or both.
Licence to use animals for scientific purposes
Activities requiring a licence to use animals for scientific purposes include those that use animals to acquire, develop or demonstrate knowledge or techniques in a scientific discipline, including teaching, research and product development or testing.
It is the responsibility of all persons using animals for scientific purposes to ensure that:
- All activities are covered by an appropriate licence;
- The use of animals is in accordance with the licence and relevant legislation, especially the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013) (8th edition);
- Any activities using animals are restricted to those approved by the relevant animal ethics committee; and
- Scientific Licensing at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been appropriately notified of the locations where animals are to be used or kept.
Licence to supply animals for scientific purposes
A licence to supply animals for scientific purposes is required when an individual or institution is carrying on a business of supplying animals for scientific purposes.
A supply licence is not required where the person is carrying on a business of supplying fauna for scientific purposes where the person is licenced or authorised under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 to take animals for the purpose of the business. (S 7(2), the AW Act)
Staff and students at licenced institutions
Staff and students working for an institution licenced under the AW Act are not required to obtain a licence if they are undertaking activities for that institution. Prior to commencing scientific activities using animals, all persons using animals must ensure they have obtained written approval from an animal ethics committee.
Individuals
Individuals may require a licence if their activities are not covered by a licence held by an institution. If a person has affiliations with a licenced institution, they may approach it directly to find out if they can operate under its licence.