Care and Use of Animals in Schools

Care and Use of Animals in Victorian Schools

Information on this site will help your school fulfill the requirements of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

Planning to use animals

Consider the following aspects when planning to use animals in teaching:

  • Schools must provide an educational justification for the use of animals in school contexts. Consider the 3Rs and the many alternatives available to animal use.
  • Schools must provide conditions and management appropriate to the behavioural and physical needs of any animals used for educational purposes.
  • Schools are responsible for assisting students to develop a respect for animals and to understand the ethical issues involved in the use of animals.

A step-by-step decision making process is available to help plan how you can use animals in schools, see: Decision Making Process

Care and Use of Animals Approval and Reporting System

The Care and Use of Animals in Schools Approval and Reporting System application allows schools to self-report and monitor compliance with animal related legislative and Departmental policy requirements.

To use the system schools must have a Scientific Procedures Premises Licence (SPPL) as obtained from the the Department of Primary Industries.  To find out more about the requirement  for a SPPL, see: Scientific Procedures Premises Licence

For information on using the system, see: How to Use the Approval and Reporting System