Care and Use of Animals in Schools

Decision Making Process

Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee (VSAEC) has responsibility for determining what activities involving the use of animals are permissible in schools. In determining these activities, VSAEC is guided by relevant legislation and codes.  Teachers are also required to go through a process of deciding whether the use of animals is justified and so, it is essential that the 3Rs filter is applied, see: Policies and Guidelines

The following step-by-step decision making process will help you in planning to use animals in schools.

Step 1: Are you using live animals as part of your teaching?

Yes - Go to Step 2
No - You are not required to notify VSAEC of your use of animals. However, you are obliged to follow the relevant Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals. End of process. 

Step 2: Can the educational outcome be achieved without using animals?

Yes - Use a non animal alternative. End of process.
No - Go to Step 3

Step 3: Is what you plan a pre-approved activity?

Yes - Go to Step 4
No - Go to Step 5

Step 4: Apply for approval from VSAEC

  1. Ascertain that your SPPL is current.
  2. Ensure that the impact of the activity on the animal is minimised.
  3. Check that the source of the animals, their housing, monitoring, fate and records are in accordance with the guidelines for the particular species to be used, see: Species Notes
  4. Complete an online Notice of Intent, see: Care and Use of Animals - Approval and Reporting System (http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/animalcare)
  5. Perform the activity as described
  6. Fill in the Completion Advice and send to VSAEC, see: Care and Use of Animals - Approval and Reporting System (http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/animalcare)

End of process.

Step 5: Is the activity justified according to the 3Rs?

Yes - Go to Step 6.
No - Choose another activity that does not require the use of animals. End of process.

Step 6: Can you ensure that the impact of the activity on the animal is minimised?

Yes - Go to Step 7.

No - Choose another activity that does not require the use of animals. End of process.

Step 7: Apply for approval from VSAEC

  1. Complete and lodge with VSAEC an Application for Approval (Word - 134Kb)
  2. Go to Step 8.

Step 8: Has the VSAEC provided written approval before commencement of the activity?

Yes - Perform the activity as described. Fill in the Completion Advice and send to VSAEC, see: Care and Use of Animals - Approval and Reporting System (http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/animalcare).
End of Process.

No - Do not commence planned activity until approval is granted. End of Process.