Animals used in Research and Teaching
In Victoria, the use of animals for research and teaching is regulated by Part 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and Part 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2008. The purpose of the Act is to prevent cruelty to animals, to encourage the considerate treatment of animals, and to improve the level of community awareness about the prevention of cruelty to animals. Under the Act, the conduct of Scientific Procedures using animals in Victoria must be licensed by the Department of Primary Industries. The Regulations prescribe the principles and guidelines set out in the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (2004).
It is the responsibilities of all persons using animals for research and teaching to ensure that:
- they are familiar with the relevant legislation, in particular the Australian Code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
- any work with animals is covered by an appropriate licence
- any work done is restricted to that approved by the responsible AEC, and
- they only carry out work in authorised premises.
Individuals undertaking activities not authorised by a legally operating AEC, or under the authority of an improperly constituted or functioning AEC are liable to prosecution.
Bureau of Animal Welfare contacts:
Phone: 03 9217 4200 Fax: 03 9217 4416
Email: animal.welfare@dpi.vic.gov.au
More information can be found on our Animal Welfare page.
