Introduction

Under the Animal Research Act 1985, the Animal Research Review Panel (ARRP) conducts inspections of accredited animal research establishments, all of which have Animal Ethics Committees (AECs).

Where AECs have been found not to be functioning effectively, a common problem has been with the position of the AEC within the accredited establishment rather than intrinsic problems with the AEC. The following statement has therefore been prepared to assist accredited establishments and their AECs.

Policy

Clause 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 of the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes outline the responsibilities of accredited research establishments. Compliance with these Clauses is ultimately the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer of the establishment.

Attention is drawn specifically to the following sections:

2.1.1 Institutions that use animals for scientifc purposes must implement processes so that the governing body of the insitution or its delegate is assured of compliance with the Code and relevant legislation.  These processes must at least include:

ii) 'ensuring through the AEC, that all scientific and teaching activities involving the use of animals comply with relevant legislation and the Code;'

iv) 'responding promptly and effectively to recommendations from the AEC to ensure that all care and use of animals for scientific purposes within the institution remains in accordance with the Code;'

vii) 'seeking comment from the AEC on all matters that may affect the welfare of animals used for scientific purposes by the institution, including the building or modification of animal facilities;'

The AEC should report through the Chair to the Chief Executive Officer of the accredited establishment (or delegated representative of the Chief Executive Officer) and when fulfilling its responsibilities should receive the full support of the Chief Executive Officer.

Explanatory Notes

In order to function effectively, the AEC must have a recognised status within the structure of the accredited establishment. The ARRP recommends that accredited establishments have a policy on the operations of the AEC which clearly sets out the role of the AEC within the establishment including:

• the method of reporting of the AEC to the Chief Executive Officer (note that the AEC is directly responsible to the Chief Executive Officer of the establishment - see Clause 2.1.1 (i) of the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes);
• the powers of the AEC in rejecting or approving research applications with or without attendant conditions;
• how any recommendations made by the AEC requiring budgeting expenditure will be achieved, eg. new facilities or modifications to existing ones;
• the powers of the AEC to develop policies on animal care and use.

In order to ensure that an AEC can function effectively the following should also be considered:

• budget allocation
• administrative support
• seniority of in-house members, particularly the Chair
• reporting structures
• mechanisms to ensure AEC decisions are implemented

The strategies put in place will vary between each accredited establishment. For example, within small establishments, the Chair of the AEC may well be the head of the accredited establishment, in which case formal reporting mechanisms will not be necessary.

With all accredited establishments it is important that the AEC is part of the functional structure of the establishment.