Training investigators
The Australian Code Of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purpose (the Code) sets out a system for accountability for the use of animals where the responsibility for animal welfare ultimately rests with the practitioner.
For the processes set out in the Code to achieve these goals, it is necessary that all those involved have a clear understanding of the processes and their particular role and responsibilities and have access to an appropriate level of information to inform their decisions and actions.
A key issue is that all persons involved in the use and care of animals have the necessary skills and knowledge.
It is also a requirement of the Code that persons supervising students must ensure that, prior to using animals, the students receive appropriate instruction in their ethical and legal responsibilities as well as the appropriate methods of animal care and use [clause 7.2.3].
Recognising that the skills and knowledge of those involved are essential to achieve high standards of animal welfare and scientific outcomes, courses for people using animals in research and teaching have been developed.
Canadian Council for Animal Care - National Institutional Animal User Training. Recommended Syllabus for an Institutional Training Program. (1999).
www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/Guidelines_Policies/GDLINES/NIAUT/SYLLA.HTM
National Research Council (USA) - Education and Training in the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: A Guide for developing Institutional Programs. ILAR Committee on Educational Programs in Laboratory Animal Science. (1991).
www.nap.edu/catalog/1592.html
In the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, there are compulsory detailed courses for animal researchers.
Education and Training of Personnel under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Appendix F. Home Office, London:HMSO.
www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/hoc/321/321-xf.htm
FELASA recommendations for the education and training of persons carrying out animal experiments. Laboratory Animals 24:121-131
www.lal.org.uk/pdffiles/lafel6.pdf
Ethics Training for Licensees Under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
www.lal.org.uk/pdffiles/Training.pdf
In Australia, rather than a national approach, as has been seen in other countries, a number of institutions have developed short courses for new research staff and post-graduate students. In some institutions, attendance at such courses is compulsory.
Animal care personnel
The Code requires that institutions should ensure that animal care staff are appropriately trained and instructed (2.1.1). In many cases, these staff will have attended or be attending appropriate training through TAFE courses.
It would be expected that these staff have had training so that they:
- understand the ethical principles which govern the care and uses of animals as detailed in the Code;
- are familiar with the laws, guidelines and codes of practice which govern the acquisition, care, breeding, handling and use of animals in their workplace;
- and are able to
- provide and maintain animals in accordance with the relevant codes to meet species-specific needs and to ensure animals are maintained in an optimum state of well being.