Commitment to Animal Welfare

The Australian Code

In undertaking the use of animals in science, James Cook University (JCU) abides by the animal research and teaching legislation in each jurisdiction as well as the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code).

‘The Code applies throughout the animal’s involvement in activities and projects, including acquisition, transport, breeding, housing, husbandry, the use of the animal in a project, and the provisions for the animal at the completion of their use.’

James Cook University Animal Ethics Committee (AEC)

All activities involving animals for scientific purposes are subject to review and oversight by the AEC and carried out according to the Code’s Governing Principles where ‘respect for animals must underpin all decisions and actions involving care and use of animals for scientific purposes’ and the potential benefits outweigh the expected harm and when no alternative method is available.

The 3Rs

• Replacement - the use of methods that replace or avoid the use of animals in research and teaching
• Reduction - the use of methods to minimise the number of animals used
• Refinement - the use of methods that alleviate or minimise potential pain and distress, enhance animal wellbeing

Compliance with the Code

JCU monitors compliance with the Code by::

• Conducting inspections of all animal facilities where animal activities take place at least annually
• Reviews the progress and compliance of each animal research and teaching project annually and at their completion
• Conducting an annual internal annual review of compliance with the Code
  • See a summary of our most recent Internal Compliance Review Report
• Undertaking an Independent External Review of our scientific animal use programs every four years
  • See a summary of our most recent External Review

Complaints and Concerns

Animal welfare and compliance with our ethical obligations are taken very seriously. If you have any concerns about the conduct of activities involving animals at JCU or want to make a formal complaint, please feel free to contact us confidentially at ethics@jcu.edu.au.

If you have any general enquiries about the care and use of animals at JCU or animals in science feel free to contact our Ethics Team.