Scientific purposes, as defined in the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code), includes all activities conducted with the aim of acquiring, developing or demonstrating knowledge or techniques in all areas of science, including teaching, field trials, environmental studies, research (including the creation and breeding of a new animal line where the impact on animal wellbeing is unknown or uncertain), diagnosis, product testing and the production of biological products. Animal use falling under this definition is required to have welfare and ethical approval before it takes place.
The use of animals for 'scientific purposes' by DPIRD is subject to licensing under the Act, which is underpinned by the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.
The Animal Welfare Act 2002 is complemented by the following regulations:
- Animal Welfare Regulations (Scientific Purposes) 2003
- Animal Welfare Regulations (General) 2003
- NHMRC - Guidelines to Promote the Wellbeing of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes
For more information on scientific licensing, visit using animals for scientific purposes.
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 any proposed trial work involving animals and DPIRD resources must be approved by the department's Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) prior to commencement. DPIRD has two AECs – the Animal Ethics Committee detailed on this webpage, and the Wildlife Animal Ethics Committee.
The Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code) embodies a system of self-regulation by which each scientific establishment must put in place processes to ensure that the care and use of animals for scientific purposes is undertaken in an ethical and humane manner.
The Code defines areas of responsibility and sets out the principles that guide these activities to ensure the expected goals are met. A key component of any institutional process is the AEC which determines whether a proposed use of animals is justified according to the principles of the Code, and then monitors the ongoing scientific activities. Importantly, through the membership of the AEC, the Code requires input from the wider community in the oversight of these activities, as one-third of the AEC must be laypeople.
Contact us
For more information, please contact the DPIRD Animal Ethics Office at AnimalEthicsOffice@dpird.wa.gov.au