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Research Ethics Office

Animal Ethics

Reduction - Replacement - Refinement

Philosophy of Animal Use

The fundamental principles that are considered when contemplating the use of animals for teaching and research are the three "R"s. Every teaching or research activity MUST aim for

• Replacement - of animals with alternatives
• Reduction - of numbers of animals used
• Refinement - of techniques to reduce the impact on animals

All university personnel and students wishing to use animals must obtain written approval from the Animal Ethics Committee. Murdoch University is licensed under the Animal Welfare Act of WA 2002 to use and acquire animals for research and teaching purposes.

The committee ensures that all animal care and use is conducted in accordance with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes - 7th Edition 2004.

The purpose of the Code is to ensure the humane care of animals used for scientific and teaching purposes. It outlines:

• the responsibilities of researchers, teachers and institutions
• how and why the number of animals used should be minimised
  And ensures that
• the welfare of animals is always paramount
• the use of animals is justified
• pain or distress is avoided
• techniques which replace the use of animals are developed and promoted

It is mandatory reading for anyone wishing to use animals in research or teaching. You may purchase a copy of the Code from the Australian Government Printing Services, or borrow one from the Library. The Code is also available through the internet at:
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/ea16syn.htm