Animal Ethics & Welfare
The Alfred Research Alliance takes its ethical obligations to animals seriously and is committee to monitoring, improving, and fulfilling these obligations in all aspects of is operations. This includes aiming to exceed the recommended standards and guidelines while maintaining best practice.
Animal Ethics Committees
The Alfred Research Alliance Animal Ethics Committees are constituted in accordance with the Australian Code and operate in accordance with the Alfred Research Alliance Animal Ethics Committee Terms of Reference.
No scientific activities involving animals can begin without approval from an Alfred Research Alliance Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).
Joining an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC)
AEC members play a critical role in ensuring the ethical, humane and responsible care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
Joining an Alfred Research Alliance AEC provides members with the opportunity to contribute their expertise and ideas to the ethical conduct of research at the Alfred Research Alliance.
ARA investigator portal
The Alfred Research Alliance utilises a number of software programs to support the care and use of animals for scientific purposes at the site.
You can access all of these programs from the investigator portal.
The research strategy at the Alfred Research Alliance (ARA) promotes a culture that is committed to responsible and ethical research practices while ensuring high quality and translation outcomes.
Scientific activities involving the care and use of animals are underpinned by ethical values and principles that protect the wellbeing of all animals used at the site.
All scientific activities involving the care and use of animals in Victoria is governed by the following legislation:
- Victorian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986
- Victorian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act Regulations 2019
- Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 2013 the Australian Code
- Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Laboratory Mice, Rats, Guinea Pigs and Rabbits
Collectively they encompass all aspects of the care and ethical use of animals for scientific purposes and provide guidelines for the humane conduct of these activities.
In addition to external requirements, the Animal Ethics & Welfare Policy provides a framework to promote:
- Ethical, humane, and responsible conduct of research and teaching activities at the Alfred Research Alliance
- Compliance of all use of animals at the Alfred Research Alliance with the relevant laws, codes, and guidelines
Contact the Animal Ethics Office
For any complaints, concerns or queries related to the care and use of animals for scientific purposes at the Alfred Research Alliance please contact the Animal Ethics Office.