Reporting Concerns Regarding the Use of Animals

The Animal Research legislation specifies that "Institutions which use animals for scientific purposes including teaching must establish mechanisms to respond to enquiries or complaints concerning the use of animals within the institution and ensure that staff may voice concerns without jeopardising their employment."

If you are concerned about the welfare or treatment of an animal used for research or teaching purposes, you should in the first instance raise your concerns with either:

the manager of the animal facility if the animal is being held in an animal facility or animal holding area; or
the Chief Investigator of the project if the animal is being used as part of a research or teaching project.

If, for some reason, you cannot or do not wish to raise your concerns with the animal facility manager, or Chief Investigator of the project, or if you are not satisfied with the response from the relevant person, you may raise your concerns with the Animal Welfare Officer, Chairperson of the Animal Care and Ethics Committee, or University Veterinarian.

Your complaint or concern may be oral or in writing.

The ultimate goal in the consideration of concerns is to ensure the welfare of animals. Please be assured that confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible within the requirements of a fair investigation and resolution of complaints. All complaints will be taken seriously and will be dealt with promptly.

The Animal Care and Ethics Committee has formal procedures for the investigation of both oral and written complaints or concerns regarding the use of animals for research or teaching purposes.