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Applying
All staff and
students must obtain
written approval from the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) to
use animals in research or teaching. This includes use of animals on campus, in the field or in collaboration with other
institutions. The proposal submitted to the AEC must:
-
explain the
expected value of the knowledge to be obtained,
-
address all ethical and animal welfare aspects
-
demonstrate
consideration of the
3 R's
Applications must be submitted to the AEC, and
must be received two weeks prior to the meeting date.
"Investigators
and teachers who use animals for scientific purposes have personal
responsibility for all matters relating to the welfare of these animals"
[1.4 the Code]. In addition to the proposal
being assessed, each participant must submit evidence to the AEC
of their competence and experience to assess animal welfare and
must demonstrate that they have the skills to carry out the
proposed work. This is done through the Animal Competence and Experience
Registration process.
Please visit the
FAQ and Guidance pages
for assistance in completing your application. If you intend to use
privately owned animals, see below for client Information and Consent
requirements.
Meeting and Submission
Deadlines
Click here for meeting and
submission deadlines.
Tips for successful AEC applications
The AEC is a diverse audience, and writing an
application is different to most other writing that researchers and
teachers undertake. It is important in your application to provide all
AEC members with sufficient information to participate in the assessment of
proposals. This can only be achieved by the use of plain English.
Applicants must ensure that the use of scientific language, including
acronyms, is kept to a minimum and is clearly explained. However, this
does not mean that the application should lack substance or detail.
 Information provided in the application must be
sufficient to satisfy the AEC that the proposed use of animals is
justified. Ensure you have read the Code, in particular Sections 2 and
3, which provide in depth guidance about the information you will need
to provide with your proposal.
Figures, diagrams and charts that help to illustrate
a procedure or time frame are particularly useful.
All questions on the application form should be
answered. If a particular question does not relate to your project, answer "N/A" along with a
brief clarifying statement.
Proof read your application thoroughly. It helps to
read it several times, with a different focus each time:
If you still have questions or need assistance with
your application, contact the
Ethics Advisor or register to attend a training session -
Tips for successful AEC Applications.
Privately Owned Animals
The AEC has a policy which explains when AEC approval is required for the use of privately owned
animals. Check this policy to assess whether you require AEC
approval. Whenever privately owned animals are to be used, a copy of the
information to be supplied to owners and a copy of the consent format
must be attached to the AEC application. The principle is that
owners must be fully informed about the procedures and their consent
obtained prior to commencing any work.
Client Information and Consent
Sample forms are provided, including:
further informational about these is also provided below.
What is the difference between Client Information and Client Consent?
Client Information conveys the details of the protocol and in particular
the impact on the pet of the procedures to be done. Client Consent is a
record of the informed consent provided by the client.
When must the forms be used?
Client information and consent forms must be used when client or privately owned animals are
used for scientific purposes e.g. research or teaching.
Is it necessary to give separate forms for Information and client consent?
In many cases, a combined
form is suitable. In this instance the client will need to be provided
with a copy of the signed authority, in order to access information
regarding the protocol and relevant contact numbers at a future time,
should they wish to. Oftentimes separate documents are more appropriate.
Examples include where the study is very complex, where the animal needs
to be sampled on a number of occasions or where there is a multi phase
involvement.
Does the AEC need to assess the Information and consent forms?
The AEC will assess forms for
any activity that requires AEC approval. Therefore an example of the
form that is intended to be used should be submitted with the AEC
application. It should convey applicable information for the particular
teaching unit or study. The AEC makes an assessment as to whether the
information has been communicated clearly, respectfully and accurately.
How much detail is required?
Consent information should
provide enough detail for clients or animal owners to understand the
study and the real and potential impacts on them and their animals. It
may be appropriate to include more than one version of the form, if the
owners of the participants fall into subgroups which require varied
information. The language used should be suitable for the intended
audience. Letters should be on Murdoch University letterhead, or include
the current logo. The AEC permit number and title should be listed, as
well as providing the participants with contact details for the most
senior person involved with the study, and the Research Ethics Office
for independent enquiries.
Does consent need to be re-confirmed throughout the animal use?
Consent may need to be
confirmed at each testing occasion depending on type of sampling and
duration since last involvement. If there are multiple testing
occasions, you may wish to consider whether owners have options (such as
consent to only part of the study). They should also be given the
opportunity to withdraw at set stages, and you will need to communicate
what will happen with the samples already collected, should they do so.
Which form should I use?
It is usually appropriate to have an information letter, which the client or owner of
the animal may keep, and a separate consent authorisation form. Both
should be submitted to the AEC.
The suggested Information letter, Clinical Veterinary Research consent form,
and consent form for use by the Murdoch Pet
Emergency Centre (MPEC) and Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital (MUVH),
are provided by the AEC.
The
Information letter
can be edited as needed to suit the
purposes of individual projects.
The
Clinical Veterinary Research Consent form is particularly suited to situations where the animal will be left
in the care of Murdoch staff, such as the veterinary hospital, where the animal is simultaneously undergoing treatment as well as involvement in
research or teaching.
The Murdoch Pet Emergency Centre (MPEC) and Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital (MUVH)
consent form is limited to use by MPEC and MUVH, where the primary reason for the animal's presence is clinical
treatment and only for circumstances outlined in the policy.
Occasionally alternate modes for consent are needed. For instance, where
research is being conducted in association with people of non-English
speaking backgrounds (e.g. in other countries), formal written
communication may be inappropriate. In such cases the AEC will consider
a request for
verbal or
oral consent. All cases will be assessed individually, and verbal
consent cannot be applied unless the AEC has provided approval. Provide
a copy of the wording that will be used, along with the method of
recording the person’s response.
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