Under the Animal Research Act 1985 an Animal Supply Licence is required to supply animals (other than exempt animals) for use in research and teaching.

The supply of animals for research encompasses obtaining, breeding, nurturing, keeping and transporting animals for the purpose of them being supplied for use in connection with animal research.

A licence is not required to supply “exempt animals”.

Animals that are exempt from the animal supply requirements are:

• livestock: sheep, cattle, pigs, poultry, horses and goats
• animals that are in the wild
• animals that fit criteria described in Schedule 3 of the Animal Research Regulation.

An Animal Supplier's Licence is required for the breeding and supply of all other animals.

Special conditions relate to the supply of dogs and cats for use in research. (See Supply of dogs and cats for use in research)

Each Licensed Animal Supplier is required to appoint an Animal Ethics Committee to supervise their animal supply activities (See Supervision of Animal Supply by Animal Ethics Committees).

Application procedures

Applicants for Animal Supply Licence must complete Form R (628 Kb, ) and return it to the Animal Welfare Unit.

The fee for Licence is $300 and Licences are granted for a period up to three years.

Applications are assessed  by staff of the Animal Welfare Unit.  As a result of this assessment, further information may be sought from the applicant.

Recommendations on the applications are made by the Animal Welfare Unit to the Animal Research Review Panel.  The Panel considers these recommendations and advises the Director-General of Industry and Investment NSW on whether applications should be approved and on what conditions.

The Director-General considers the Panel's recommendations and makes a determination on the applications.

Applicants are advised in writing of the outcome, including any conditions placed on the Animal Supply Licence.

Applicants who are dissatisfied with a determination of the Director-General may apply to the Administrative Decisions Tribunal for a review of the determination.

All applications are  treated in confidence.