Non-research animals on designated land

The Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) for an Accredited Research Establishment is not legally responsible for those animals on the establishment's designated land that are not used, or intended for use, in animal research or supply for research purposes. Such animals include companion animals (pets), commercial livestock, working dogs and horses.

However, the AEC for an Accredited Research Establishment has expertise in the care and management of animals and is entitled to comment on any aspect of the care or management of non-research animals on designated land.

The head of an Accredited Research Establishment has legal responsibility for the care of non-research animals on designated land. It may be appropriate for the head to use the Animal Care and Ethics Committee as an occasional or permanent advisory body on the care and management of non-research animals and the development of standards and policies relating to such care and management.

Explanatory notes

1.1 The designated land of an Accredited Research Establishment is land occupied by the Establishment on which research is, or will be, conducted and which is identified on the Certificate of Accreditation for the Establishment.

1.2 Non-research animals on designated land are covered by the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. This Act does not contain standards for the care of various species under particular circumstances. There are, however, recognised minimum standards for many species which are readily available. Compliance with these standards is voluntary but may be seen as a protection against an allegation of cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Information on where to obtain copies of Codes of Practice, official guidelines and standards is available from the Animal Welfare Branch, 02 6391 3149.

2.1 An AEC may become concerned about aspects of the care and management of non-research animals through a variety of routes. For example, a research proposal involving commercial livestock may focus the Committee's attention on the Establishment's normal standard of husbandry for this species, or the Committee may receive a complaint from a member of staff or the general public about the management of non-research animals. It is reasonable for the Committee to investigate such matters and to provide comment to the head of the Establishment, should the Committee agree that action should be taken.

2.2 The head of an Establishment, by ignoring the recommendations of the AEC or by preventing the Committee from commenting on the care and management of non-research animals, would be open to criticism if the standard of care were ever challenged legally, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, or in the public arena.

3.1 Responsibility under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is vested in the "person in charge". This includes the owner of the animal and a person who has the animal in their possession or custody, or under their care, control or supervision. For Accredited Research Establishments the head of the Establishment would be considered the 'person in charge'.

3.2 Apart from strict legal compliance (avoiding cruelty), there is a general community expectation that non-research animals will be treated according to recognised standards. As an expert body, the AEC is in an ideal position to interpret existing standards, to develop new standards and to provide advice on appropriate policies for non-research animals at the establishment. For example, the AEC could develop practical guidelines for the management of a commercial piggery based on the general principles contained in the Model Code of Practice for the welfare of pigs.

Animal Research Review Panel Policy 4