Animal Welfare and Ethics

JCU recognises the significant role animals play in the progression of human knowledge. JCU research projects use animals only when their use is justified and when no other alternatives are available.

JCU's Animal Ethics Committee's primary role is to protect the welfare of animals used in research and teaching and ensure that their use is justified and scientifically worthwhile.

View the AEC Application Process.

Animal Ethics Committee Chair

Professor Lin Schwarzkopf
College of Marine & Environmental Sciences
James Cook University
Email: ethics@jcu.edu.au
Phone: (07) 4781 5467

Concerns, complaints and feedback about the treatment of animals at JCU are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated with action taken if proven.

If you have an enquiry, concern or complaint about any of the following, you may contact the Animal Welfare Officer directly for confidential advice, discuss the concern or lodge a complaint.

• An animal being held on the property of the University or an external property or field work site.
• The activities or behaviour of a researcher, teacher or other staff member.
• The activities of a person or group that may affect or interfere with animal welfare, health or the progress of a research or teaching project.

All concerns and complaints will be followed up promptly and confidentially, although at times, there might be a need to identify the complainant for procedural fairness.

The Animal Welfare Officer and AEC follow the University’s investigation and complaint procedures to ensure all parties are heard and the matter is dealt with effectively. Anonymous complaints will also be investigated, however, the ability to investigate thoroughly may be affected by not being able to clarify certain facts with the original complainant.

If you receive a complaint about your work with animals, please refer it to the JCU Connect Animal Welfare and Ethics team to ensure the complaint is dealt with and to prevent unnecessary escalation.