The ‘Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes’ (‘the Code’) is a nationally recognised document. It is regularlyreviewed by a joint working party of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC); the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO),the Primary Industries Ministerial Council, the Australian Research Council, theAustralian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, representatives from the State and Territory Governments of Australia and representatives of animal welfare organisations (RSPCA and Animals Australia).

The Code is incorporated by reference into the New South Wales Animal Research Regulation 2005 and is central to governing the conduct of animal research in NSW.

Requirements of the Code

The Code requires that animal use in research and teaching must be:

• valid
• humane
• justifiable
• considerate.

It also requires researchers and teachers actively to seek alternatives to the use of animals and to justify why the use of animals is essential for their activities.

The Code describes the responsibilities of people who use or supply animals for research and teaching, the responsibilities of Animal Ethics Committees, and the responsibilities of  research and teaching establishments. The Code requires that the welfare of the animals is always given consideration as a top priority.

All use of animals for scientific purposes in New South Wales must comply with the Code. It is the responsibility of the institution to ensure that all users of animals have access to this Code.

Copies available

Copies of the ‘Australian Code of Practice for the Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes’ are available at: www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/ea16syn.htm