Working with Animals

What is an animal?

The Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (2004) (http://nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/ea16syn.htm) defines an animal as any live non-human vertebrate, that is: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, encompassing domestic animals, purpose bred animals, livestock, wildlife, adult decapod crustaceans and also cephalopods such as octopus and squid. Animals also include live prenatal or pre-hatched young of a species in the last half of gestation or incubation period (eg. chicken or lizard eggs).

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) (http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/DPI/nrenfa.nsf) overrides the Code and defines an animal as a live member of any vertebrate species, including fish, amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal (other than a human being); a live crustacean or cephalopod. 

For the purposes of scientific procedures, included in that definition are the following ex-utero pre-term animals:

• mammals from half-gestation onwards
• birds from half-incubation onwards
• reptiles from half-incubation onwards
• amphibians fully metamorphosed juveniles and older
• fish fully metamorphosed juveniles and older

These pre-term classifications are only used in scientific procedures conducted on foetuses and would not be expected to be carried out in schools.

What is a pet?

A classroom pet is any animal, including native species, which is generally used for environmental enhancement and student enrichment in the classroom. A pet may be used for incidental teaching as part of its routine care (eg. non-handling observations for Literacy). If you intend to use the animal for explicit teaching activities, such as measurement of growth, you must acquire VSAEC approval. The question to ask is “Would I still keep this animal in my classroom if I wasn’t using it for explicit teaching purposes?” If yes, then this animal falls under the definition of a classroom pet.

What do I need to do if I want to conduct an activity using animals in my class?

1.  Check whether the use of animals is justified. Consider the 3Rs and the many alternatives available to animal use.

2.  Check that your school or school system has an SPPL.

3.  Check that your school or school system has gained Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee (VSAEC) approval for the proposed animal activity prior to use. To find out which activities have been approved by VSAEC, check the pre-approved activities list.

4.  If VSAEC approval for the proposed animal use activity has not been obtained, you need to gain approval prior to use. You will need to submit an application for approval to VSAEC.

5.  If CVSAEC approval for the proposed animal use activity has been obtained or appears ont he pre-approved activity list, you will need to complete an online intent to use form.

6.  Record and report on the activity as required.

See:

• Care and Use of Animals - Approval and Reporting System (http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/animalcare)
• Application for Approval

 

Do I need VSAEC approval to keep a classroom pet such as a guinea pig, fish, lizard or bird?

No. Activities incorporating classroom pets are not included as a ‘scientific procedure’ unless the animals are subjected to intervention or activities beyond routine care. However, teachers primary concern must be the welfare of the animals at all times, including provision for care during weekends and holiday periods and for veterinary care when needed. 

Can I keep a native animal at school?

Yes – under certain conditions. Prior to acquisition you will need a Wildlife Scientific Permit, available from the Department for Sustainability and Environment, for approved native species – No wildlife can be taken from the wild. If you intend to use the animal for explicit teaching purposes, such as measurement of growth or breeding, you must gain VSAEC approval.

See: Department for Sustainability and Environment  (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au)

Can I keep an orphaned or injured native animal?

No. Any orphaned or injured wildlife must be delivered as quickly as possible to an approved wildlife carer. Contact RACV Wildlife Connect (13 11 11), Wildlife Victoria (Help for Wildlife 0417 380 687), WIRES, RSPCA, Lort Smith Animal Hospital or your local Vet to advise you on your nearest carer.

Can I collect and observe frog spawn and tadpoles?

No. It is illegal to collect frog spawn and tadpoles throughout Victoria.

Do I need to gain VSAEC approval for use of snails, worms, bees and other invertebrates and should I record and report such use?

The Code covers adult decapods and cephalopods (octopus and squid) and so would require VSAEC approval and be included in your reporting. However, invertebrates such as worms, snails and bees are not covered by the Code but may be prescribed by regulation at a later date.  Nonetheless, humane treatment and respect for all life should be demonstrated in schools.

Do I need to gain VSAEC approval to dissect fish purchased from a retail outlet or animal parts from an abattoir and should I record and report such use?

If an animal was killed for the purpose of human consumption and you use it for dissection, you do not require VSAEC approval and are not required to submit such use in your school’s annual use reports. However, you should still consider your justification for using animal material in reference to the 3Rs.

Do I need to gain VSAEC approval to visit a zoo or farm?

No. Excursions to observe animals in their natural surroundings or to zoos and other registered wildlife parks do not require VSAEC approval. These venues are overseen by their own Animal Ethics Committee. Similarly, excursions to farms for observation of animal behaviour and husbandry activities are exempt from requiring VSAEC approval.

These external observational activities do not require VSAEC approval or notification. However, appropriate student/teacher behaviour around animals is essential at all times.

What about individuals or organisations bringing animals to school for a lesson or exhibit?

No. The following instances do not require VSAEC approval or notification:

1. Observation of pet under the owner's control
2. School performance by outside agencies that have animals as part of their exhibits
3. Animal welfare organisations bringing animals to school (such as RSPCA or Responsible Pet Ownership Program)

However, appropriate student/teacher behaviour around animals is essential at all times.