Essential reading before applying for an animal ethics approval

Familiarise yourself with legislation

Anyone working with animals must complete the New Animal Users Legislation Training module prior to working with animals on an approved animal ethics application.

New principal investigators (PI) must complete the Legislation and the New Principal Investigator training prior to submitting an animal ethics application. Contact the animal ethics secretariat for more information.

All personnel named on the application must read the current version of the University of Auckland Code of Ethical Conduct to understand the legislation that the University and all investigators comply with and any IDAOs that are associated with the AEC approval:

• The University of Auckland Code of Ethical Conduct

We recommended that all personnel on an animal ethics approval read the following:

• The Animal Welfare Act 1999 – Part 6
• NAEAC Good Practice Guide

Medicine officers must read the institutional operating plan for the direct management of animals and the in vitro use of controlled drugs and psychoactive substances:

• Institutional Operating Plan for the Direct Management of Animals and the in vitro use of Controlled Drugs and Psychoactive Substances

In addition, for a better understanding of the requirements in Part 6 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999, read: ‘The Use of Animals in Research, Testing and Teaching - Users Guide to Part 6 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999’.

Design an ethically acceptable project

Think about how you will set up your experiments in an ethically acceptable manner. Keep the 3Rs in mind and consider alternative models and methods. Consult relevant literature and guidelines to determine which methods are considered best practice. The following information may help complete an animal ethics application:

• Tips for writing an AEC application
• Norecopa PREPARE Guidelines for Planning Animal Research and Testing
• ANZCCART Factsheet

If you are not sure what the best methods are, consult your colleagues, animal facility staff, investigate the resources on this website or contact the animal welfare officer for additional help.

The University is conscious of its responsibilities to its staff, as well as to the wider community. Staff should take into account the increasing interest in the accountability of institutions regarding animal-related research, and that the University must consciously strive to maintain its position as a trustworthy and caring member of the community. The University must be able to demonstrate that not only is all teaching and research of the highest standard, but also that adequate justification can be provided for the use of all animals in research, testing and teaching.

The details of animal use and approved protocols are official information in terms of the Official Information Act 1982, and members of the public are entitled to request the release of this information. Provided the request complies with the provisions of the Act, and there are no grounds (see e.g. Section 9 of the Act) for withholding the information, the University is obliged to supply the requested information within 20 working days.

Current university policy is not to release information without first advising the principal investigator (PI). However, due to the relatively limited time allowed by the legislation to respond to requests, the University will normally be obliged to release the information requested before the PI has commented on it. For this reason, it is important that PIs keep the animal ethics secretariat informed of their contact address before any significant period of absence from the University.

The release of information is handled by the University Counsel, the Vice-Chancellor (Operations) and Registrar, in consultation with the chair of the AEC. All information which might be used to identify individual members of staff is currently withheld. The Act provides, however, that any person can ask the ombudsman to review the University's decision to withhold information. The regulation of animal experimentation and the release of the associated information are subject to change, and animal users will be kept informed of significant developments.

The Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) consists of representatives of the University and external members. The exact composition of the AEC and its responsibilities and rights are detailed in The University of Auckland Code of Ethical Conduct.

The AEC meets 10 times per year to consider new applications and amendments, reports on projects, and any animal welfare issues.

Guidance for animal ethics committees in New Zealand is provided by the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) (an advisory committee to the Minister for Primary Industries). In addition, the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) is a standing committee of the Royal Society Te Apārangi that provides information for Animal Ethics Committees (AEC), scientists, teachers, regulatory authorities, granting agencies, government, animal welfare organisations, the media, and the general public. Both organisations provide good guidelines and useful links.

• National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC)
• MPI – Animals in research
• Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART)

Animal Ethics Committee
Email: animalethics@auckland.ac.nz