Teaching with Animals

This topic is under review and guidance on a new application process will be published in early 2024. Schools intending to apply for VSAEC approval in Term 1, 2024 can contact animalethics@education.vic.gov.au for more information.

Policy

This policy outlines the legal and department policy requirements relating to the use, care and welfare of animals used for teaching purposes in schools.

The policy does not include information on student and family dogs on school grounds as this is at the discretion of the principal. Refer to the School Policy Templates Portal (staff login required) for information and an optional template school policy on Dogs at School.

Details

Responsibilities of teachers and schools

Teachers, principals and animal carers who are involved with the use and care for animals in schools must comply with the relevant legislation and codes of practice (refer below to Relevant legislation and codes of practice).

When planning to use animals for teaching, schools must consider the ethical and welfare issues involved.

For live animal use in teaching to be justified, evidence must demonstrate that the project has scientific or educational merit.

In addition, schools must follow the guiding principles for the humane use of animals in scientific research, known as the 3Rs:

• Replacement: Where possible animals should be replaced by models, digital learning or other suitable methods.
• Reduction: Use no more than the minimum number of animals. However, this should not be at the expense of greater suffering of individual animals.
• Refinement: Activities must minimise handling, discomfort, distress or pain in animals.

Biosecurity in schools

Biosecurity focuses on minimising the adverse impacts of pests and diseases in the environment, and the community. Effective biosecurity is essential to the ongoing health of Victoria’s agricultural production, economy, and environment.

In schools, good biosecurity includes awareness, maintaining good practices, and reporting suspected animal pests and diseases to Agriculture Victoria on the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888 or your local veterinarian.

Schools are required to practise biosecurity measures when working with plants and animals. Refer to the Requirements for schools chapter of the Guidance tab for more information about these requirements.

Ethics approval for teaching with animals

Some projects or activities using animals may require approval from the Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee (VSAEC). Refer to: When is VSAEC approval required.

For these activities, schools must:

• ensure they have a current Scientific Procedures Premises Licence (Schools) before commencing the project. All Victorian government schools are covered by the department’s licence. Non-government schools may refer to the Guidance tab for information: Scientific Procedures Premises Licence (Schools)
• determine whether the activity requires approval from VSAEC or a notice of intent in the case of pre-approved activities. Refer to the Guidance tab: When is VSAEC approval required:
  • If approval from the VSAEC is required, schools must submit a detailed project application using the online VSAEC application form available on the Forms and record keeping chapter. Schools can only commence the project once VSAEC approval is granted.
• ensure that appropriate records are kept and submit a completion report to the VSAEC when the activity has been completed. Refer to the Guidance tab: Record-keeping and completion reports.

Detailed information on the application and approval process is available on the Guidance tab.

Non-teaching use of animals in schools

Schools do not require VSAEC approval for some uses of animals in schools, such as classroom pets and therapy pets. In these circumstances, the care and welfare of the animal is of paramount importance. This includes care during weekend and holidays periods, and veterinary care when needed. Refer to: When is VSAEC approval required.

Keeping wildlife in schools

Schools can obtain permits from the Office of the Conservation Regulator within the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning website to keep some wildlife species under certain circumstances. Refer to the Guidance tab: Permits to keep wildlife for further detail.

Definitions

Animal
Any live non-human vertebrate (that is, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals encompassing domestic animals, purpose-bred animals, livestock, wildlife) and cephalopods (including octopus, cuttlefish and squid).

Animal carer
Any person involved in the care of animals that are used for scientific purposes, including during their acquisition, transport, breeding, housing and husbandry.

Areas of science
The Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (Australian code) provides the following examples: medicine, biology, agriculture, veterinary and other animal sciences, field trials, environmental studies, research, diagnosis, product testing and production of biological products (for example, blood, vaccines, antibodies).

Scientific procedure
'Scientific procedure' has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Vic).

Scientific purposes
'Scientific purposes' is defined in the Australian code as meaning all activities conducted with the aim of acquiring, developing or demonstrating knowledge or techniques in all areas of science, including teaching, field trials, environmental studies, research (including the creation and breeding of a new animal line where the impact on animal wellbeing is unknown or uncertain), diagnosis, product testing and the production of biological products.

Related policy

Biological Materials Used in Schools

Relevant legislation and codes of practice

• Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition (2013)
• Code of practice for the housing and care of laboratory mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits
• General school authorisation licence to keep wildlife
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Vic)
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2008 (Vic)
• Victorian codes of practice for animal welfare

Guidance on teaching with animals

This guidance provides advice for Victorian schools seeking to keep or use animals for teaching and non-teaching purposes.

This guidance contains the following chapters:

• Requirements for schools
  • Scientific Procedures Premises Licence
  • Permits to keep or use wildlife
  • Animal welfare requirements
  • Biosecurity in schools
• VSAEC application and approval process
  • Overview
  • When is VSAEC approval required?
  • Categories of animal use
  • Common examples of animal use in schools
• Forms and record-keeping
  • Amendments to an approved project
  • Monitoring and recording animal welfare and care
  • Reporting the death of an animal or unexpected adverse event
  • Vet report
  • Post-mortem report
  • Project completion and annual report
• School audits
  • VSAEC inspections – monitoring the care and use of animals
  • Animal Welfare Victoria audits
• About the VSAEC
  • Role and responsibilities
  • Committee composition
  • Terms of reference
• Complaints and grievances
  • Complaints about animal treatment in a school
  • Grievances against VSAEC decisions

Requirements for schools

Scientific Procedures Premises Licence (Schools)

All Victorian schools must hold a Scientific Procedures Premises Licence (Schools) in order to use animals for teaching.

Government schools

Government schools do not need to apply for a Scientific Procedures Premises Licence (Schools). They are covered under the department's licence.

Government schools will need to complete the online VSAEC application form (available on the Forms and record keeping chapter) in order to apply.

Catholic and independent schools

Non-government (Catholic and independent) schools need to apply for a licence in order to use animals for teaching. The licence is free and must be renewed at a fixed interval.

Application forms and additional information is available from the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) Scientific Procedures Premises Licence.

Applying to the Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee

Non-government schools may need to apply to the Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee (VSAEC) for activities involving live animals. Refer to: When is VSAEC approval required.

To apply to the VSAEC, non-government schools must:

• obtain a Scientific Procedures Premises Licence (Schools)
• email a copy of the licence to animalethics@education.vic.gov.au

• complete the online VSAEC application form (available on the Forms and record keeping chapter).

After confirmation the non-government school will be provided with account details to log in.

Permits to keep wildlife

Schools can keep some wildlife species for non-invasive classroom observation. Government and Catholic schools can download a general authorisation permit for some species. The permit must be signed by the principal of that school. Independent schools must contact Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). The permit is free. For more information please refer to: Wildlife in schools.

VSAEC approval may also be required for the project or activity. Refer to: When is VSAEC approval required.

Please note:

• animals cannot be taken from the wild
• it is illegal to collect frog spawn and tadpoles anywhere in Victoria
• injured or orphaned wildlife should be delivered as quickly as possible to an approved wildlife carer.

Contact:

• Wildlife Victoria – 03 8400 7300
• RSPCA Victoria – 03 9224 2222

or your local vet to advise you on your nearest carer.

Animal welfare requirements

When planning to use animals for any purpose in a school, teachers need to consider the ethical and welfare issues involved. Schools may refer to Victoria’s animal welfare codes of practice for information on the standards for keeping a range of species and animal related activities.

The first and most important question for teachers to consider is whether their proposal to use animals for teaching is justified. Using animals for educational purposes can only be justified when there are no alternative, non-animal methods that would achieve the same result.

If non-animal alternatives can be used to achieve the stated educational outcome, then animals should not be used. Teachers should also ensure that only the smallest number of animals are used and that the impact on animal welfare is minimised.

For animal use in teaching to be justified, the proposed use must meet the following requirements (known as the 3Rs):

• Replacement: Where possible animals should be replaced by models, digital learning or other suitable methods.
• Reduction: Use no more than the minimum number of animals. However, this should not be at the expense of greater suffering of individual animals.
• Refinement: Activities must minimise handling, discomfort, distress or pain in animals.

Teachers are strongly encouraged to consider the welfare of all animals (including insects) when using them in teaching activities, even if they do not fall within the scope of animals requiring approval from VSAEC, and to take into account their sentience and ability to experience pain and distress.

Guidance on caring for and handling specific species

All teachers using animals in their teaching are expected to have a thorough knowledge of the husbandry and facilities required for the species in their care.

Victoria has an extensive set of animal welfare codes of practice. Many have legally binding provisions. Teachers should regard them as the primary source of advice and consult them before considering additional sources.

The following species notes include basic guidance for teachers and students on the care and handling of certain animal species.

It is recommended that teachers have some experience and understanding of the animals they plan to use.

These notes are designed to be used in conjunction with Victoria’s animal welfare codes of practice. In the case of conflicting advice, the Codes of Practice take precedence.

• Amphibians and reptiles – care and handling (DOCX)
• Caged birds – care and handling (DOCX)
• Cattle – care and handling (DOCX)
• Domestic fowls – care and handling (DOCX)
• Fish – care and handling (DOCX)
• Guinea Pigs – care and handling (DOCX)
• Invertebrates – care and handling (DOCX)
• Mice – care and handling (DOCX)
• Rabbits – care and handling (DOCX)
• Sheep – care and handling (DOCX)

Rehoming requirements for animals used in teaching

Rehome plans must be considered from the start of the planning stage. At end of their use in teaching, animals should be re-homed with the focus on 'a home for life' if possible.

For further information, please see Animal Welfare Victoria’s rehoming guide (PDF).

Biosecurity in schools

Biosecurity focuses on minimising the adverse impacts of pests and diseases in the environment, and the community. Effective biosecurity is essential to the ongoing health of Victoria’s agricultural production, economy, and environment.

In schools, good biosecurity includes awareness, maintenance of good practices, and reporting of suspected plant and animal pests, and diseases. Schools are required to practise these biosecurity measures when working with plants and animals.

Awareness

Awareness means being vigilant and knowing the signs of plant and animal pests, and diseases. To help protect Australia from the spread of plant and animal pests, and diseases, a range of education resources for primary and secondary schools can be accessed from the Australian Government’s biosecurity website.

Maintain good practices

Maintaining good practices helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Effective practices built into everyday actions include good hand hygiene, cleaning tools and equipment with disinfectant, removing seeds and soils from shoes, purchasing goods from reliable sources, labelling and storing chemicals safely, and managing feed, water, and waste.

Report

Schools are required to report signs or outbreaks of disease. If you notice signs or suspect an outbreak of disease in animals, or birds, notify Agriculture Victoria immediately on the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888 or contact your local veterinarian.

The hotline will connect you with local Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare staff who will provide you with further instructions.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's website provides information on animal pests and diseases.

This topic is under review and guidance on a new application process will be published in early 2024. Schools intending to apply for VSAEC approval in Term 1, 2024 can contact animalethics@education.vic.gov.au for more information.

VSAEC application and approval process

Overview

Step 1

Determine whether your planned use of animals requires approval from the Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee (VSAEC) or in the case of pre-approved activities, a notice of intent. Refer to: When is VSAEC approval required. If in doubt, schools should contact the VSAEC Executive Officer at animalethics@education.vic.gov.au

Step 2

If the activity is a Pre-Approved Activity, notify the VSAEC of the activity by submitting an online notice of intent before it starts and once it is completed. Online notice of intent forms for various teaching activities involving animals are available on the Forms and record keeping chapter.

Activities must be undertaken in the manner described in the pre-approved activities guidance documents. Refer to the Resources tab.

If approval from the VSAEC is required submit a new activity request via the online VSAEC application form available on the Forms and record keeping chapter.

Schools can only proceed with the activity after receiving a notification of approval.

Before submitting the request:

• non-government school applicants must make sure the school’s Scientific Procedures Premises Licence (SPPL) is current – government schools are covered under the department’s licence
• applicants must consider the justification for the use of animals and understand the welfare issues of keeping and using animals in schools.

If approval from the VSAEC is not required schools may proceed with the project, ensuring there is appropriate supervision for students, and care for animals including monitoring and record-keeping.

There is no requirement to report to the VSAEC in this case. Refer to: Animal welfare requirements.

Step 3

Maintain appropriate monitoring records for reporting and audit purposes, as well as to ensure continuity of care of animals at all times. Schools must:

• provide animals with the highest possible respect, care and welfare
• comply with the requirements in the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Australian code)
• comply with the terms of the VSAEC approval, which include the care and monitoring of the animals, recording, reporting and rehoming as prescribed
• report to the VSAEC if there are any unexpected adverse events.

Step 4

Submit completion report to VSAEC within 30 days of completion of the activity. Refer to the Forms and record keeping chapter of this guidance for more information.

When is VSAEC approval required?

By law, any use of animals in schools that constitutes a 'scientific procedure' requires an ethics application to the VSAEC, and the project must not begin until the school has received VSAEC approval.

This policy contains general guidance on common types of animal use in schools and whether approval is required – refer to: categories of animal use and common examples of animal use in schools. However, there may be uses of animals that constitute a scientific procedure that fall outside these category definitions. If you are unsure whether your project meets the definition of a 'scientific procedure' and requires approval, contact animalethics@education.vic.gov.au

For all animal use categories, schools are required to comply with animal welfare obligations outlined in department policy and the Victorian Codes of Practice. The Wildlife in schools guidance may also apply. Regardless of category, schools must provide for the lifetime welfare of animals and their offspring.

Categories of animal use

There are 8 pre-approved activities detailed on the Resources tab. If a school is undertaking one of these activities, the school must submit the relevant online notice of intent to the VSAEC. Notice of intent forms for various teaching activities involving animals are available on the Forms and record keeping chapter.

If your planned activity is not a pre-approved activity, please consider which of the 4 categories of animal use it falls under.

Category 1 – approval not required

Observational studies of animals in their normal environment, with no direct contact with the animal(s) or disturbance to the animals’ normal activity.

Category 2 – approval required if the activity is for a scientific or educational objective

Basic handling, feeding and care of mature animals, with no change to animal’s normal conditions or behaviour.

Category 3 – approval required

Disruption to animal’s normal conditions or behaviour.

Category 4 – prohibited

Invasive procedures involving pain, risk to the animal and/or recovery. This category of animal use is prohibited in schools. Refer to ‘prohibited activities’ for further detail.

For further detail please refer to the detailed categories table on the Resources tab.

Common examples of animal use in schools

Hatching projects

Schools need to apply to the VSAEC for approval to undertake chick or hatching programs.

If schools are interested in using chickens as part of a teaching program, the VSAEC has developed a Guide to teaching activities involving chickens (DOCX).

Due to animal welfare concerns, the VSAEC will not approve applications for short-term chick hatching programs from schools. The VSAEC considers ‘short-term’ to be 2 weeks or less.

Teaching activities involving duckling hatching will be assessed by the VSAEC on a case by case basis.

School pets and animals used for student support

School pets (such as chickens) or animals used for student support or environment enrichment (such as story/therapy dogs) do not require approval from the VSAEC provided the animals are not being used for explicit teaching purposes as defined in the Australian code. However, the primary concern should be the welfare of the animal, including care during weekends and holiday periods and veterinary care when needed.

Schools must follow the relevant codes of practice for the welfare of animals when keeping any animal as a class pet.

Refer to advice from Animal Welfare Victoria on keeping pets in classrooms as well as resources on caring for specific types of pet animals.

Schools will need approval from the VSAEC for school pets if:

• the animal is subjected to intervention or explicit teaching activities
• activities are beyond routine care
• activities are conducted with the animal to achieve educational outcomes or as part of the curriculum.

Work experience

VSAEC approval is also not required for formal work experience involving routine husbandry procedures if all of the following conditions apply:

• the animals are on their home property
• the procedures would occur normally as part of routine management
• the animals are not subjected to anything additional to what would occur in routine management
• the work experience teacher or demonstrator is appropriately qualified to carry out the procedure.

Dead animals and dissection

VSAEC approval only applies to live animals. However, schools should still consider justification for using animal material in reference to the 3Rs. Refer to the Policy tab.

Prohibited activities

The following activities using animals must not be carried out in schools:

• surgical, invasive or other harmful procedures other than normal animal husbandry procedures
• induction of any infectious diseases or illness
• production of nutritional deficiency
• exposure to stimuli that cause abnormal physiological or behavioural responses
• administration of toxins, ionising radiation and other bio-hazardous materials
• breeding of animals solely for dissection.

Refer to the Forms and record keeping chapter of this guidance for more information.

What does the VSAEC need to see in an application?

The questions on the application form address the following criteria:

• respect for animals and an understanding of their needs
• a strong case for using animals in the classroom and the high educational value of the proposed project
• evidence that real alternatives have been considered and a convincing argument that none (either alone or in combination) are sufficient to achieve the same educational benefit that using animals would achieve
• justification – the VSAEC needs to be convinced that the educational benefit of the project is large enough to balance or outweigh the predicted or potential impact on the animals
• steps to reduce the number of animals required
• steps to minimise the impact on the animals
• the competence and experience of all animal carers on the project
• details of the housing and transport of the animals and an explanation of how they meet requirements
• a detailed description of the use of the animals – for example, what, when, how and why
• evidence that the sourcing of the animals meets requirements
• an account and justification of what will happen to the animals at the end of the project.

Photos (for example, of animal housing arrangements) are welcome.

Relevant resources:

• Animal Welfare Victoria application checklist
• Sample activity request form

VSAEC application decision process

The VSAEC meets at least 4 times a year to assess new applications for use of animals in schools, review current projects and evaluate completion reports.

The VSAEC must assess applications in line with precise and detailed prescriptions in the Australian code. Meetings must comply with quorum requirements specified in the Australian code and follow a prescribed process with the mandated voting members in attendance. Decisions are by consensus of the voting members of the committee. Failure to arrive at a consensus defers an application outcome to a subsequent meeting.

It is essential that applications are completed with sufficient clarity and specificity, so that all members of the committee can understand the application and arrive at an informed and fair decision. Failing to address all questions or supply all information in a simple and easily understood manner is likely to delay the approval process.

Planning ahead and seeking advice early in the process can be the difference between a project application gaining approval and it being rejected.

While applications must be with the VSAEC Executive Officer at least 2 weeks before the scheduled meeting, earlier submissions are welcome.

Teachers who have any questions or concerns should seek advice from the VSAEC Executive Officer at: animalethics@education.vic.gov.au

This topic is under review and guidance on a new application process will be published in early 2024. Schools intending to apply for VSAEC approval in Term 1, 2024 can contact animalethics@education.vic.gov.au for more information.

Forms and record keeping

Using the online VSAEC application form and notices of intent forms

The online VSAEC application form and notices of intent are based on the Microsoft Forms (MS Forms) platform. This platform replaces the previous application and reporting portal. New program applications will only be accepted via MS Forms.

Schools with current approved project applications

Schools that have a current, approved project application hosted on the department’s application and reporting portal can continue to manage their application and project report via the portal.

Tips for using the online forms

The MS Forms platform does not allow applicants to pause and save their form during the completion process.

Schools are strongly encouraged to complete their draft application by using the draft planning PDF form provided for each activity.

The draft planning PDF form can be downloaded and completed over a period of time. You will be able to share the draft PDF application with colleagues for input and review. Once the draft application has been completed, you can copy and paste the information into the ‘live’ MS Form.

Upon completion of the ‘live’ MS Form, you will be prompted to save a copy for record keeping purposes prior to submitting.

Record keeping and completion reports

Teachers should keep records for all uses of animals on school premises. Schools should maintain records of animal use, monitoring and all reports on file for potential audits for 3 years after the completion of the project.

If the school has received Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee (VSAEC) approval for a project or activity, or submitted a notice of intent to the VSAEC, the teacher must submit forms and records to the VSAEC as outlined in this section. This includes pre-approved activities.

Amendments to an approved project

Any amendment to an approved project must be assessed by the VSAEC and approved before being implemented.

There are 4 main aspects of a project that can be subject to amendment:

1. increasing the total number and/or type of animals currently approved
2. adding or replacing staff on the project
3. seeking a minor change to a procedure or protocol currently approved
4. requesting an extension of time for the project.

Amendment requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks before a VSAEC meeting.

Download the Project amendment form (DOCX).

Monitoring and recording animal welfare and care

The health of all animals must be monitored and records retained by the school. This includes:

• monitoring and assessment of animal well-being undertaken with sufficient frequency
• adequate records to allow review and critical investigation of the cause(s) of and responses to unexpected adverse events. This is used as a basis for future prevention strategies.

A sample animal health monitoring template can be downloaded from the Resources tab. Schools may elect to design their own recording templates, which should be submitted for approval with the project application.

The monitoring and recording of the ongoing health of the animals can be done in other ways such as maintaining a daily diary, provided that all the information provided on the relevant sample record keeping form is collected and maintained, and the approach is approved as part of the application to the VSAEC.

All records must be kept at the school for at least 3 years and be made available to RSPCA inspectors, DJPR auditors, the VSAEC or officers of the school system or sectors, on request.

Reporting on the death of an animal or unexpected adverse event

Teachers must promptly notify the VSAEC if there are any unusual or unexpected circumstances during the conduct of a project for which the teacher has received VSAEC approval for an activity or submitted a notice of intent to the VSAEC. This may include the unexpected death of an animal.

An unexpected adverse event in a teaching activity using animals is anything that happens that meets both of these criteria:

• Unexpected: an event not as described in the approved proposal or subsequent documents submitted to the VSAEC.
• Adverse: not in the best interests of the animal.

A sample reporting template can be downloaded from the Resources tab.

Reporting these events helps the VSAEC to monitor activities.

It also encourages teachers to investigate the cause(s) of the event and provides a basis for future prevention strategies to improve animal welfare and activity outcomes.

Vet report

If you are carrying out a project that has been approved by the VSAEC, or for which you have submitted a notice of intent to the VSAEC, a vet report may be required.

A vet report must be completed if any animal involved in the project is examined for an unexpected illness or injury.

Download a vet report template (DOCX).

Post-mortem report

If you are carrying out a project that has been approved by the VSAEC, or for which you have submitted a notice of intent to the VSAEC, a vet report may be required.

A post-mortem report must be completed if any animal involved in the project dies in an unexpected adverse event.

Download a post-mortem report template (DOCX).

Project completion and annual report

At the conclusion of any project that has been approved by the VSAEC, or for which you have submitted a notice of intent to the VSAEC, you must submit a completion report to the VSAEC.

If projects extend over a 12 month period, an annual report must be provided within 30 days of the end of each year since the project began (for example, 31 August 2021, for a project that began on 31 July 2020).

Teachers are required to provide details regarding animal use, any animal welfare issues that may have been encountered and the realised educational benefits for students.

Completion advice and annual reports assist the Department of Education and Training in compiling annual animal use data for the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

Download a completion advice/annual report form (DOCX).

School audits

The Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee (VSAEC) and Animal Welfare Victoria are responsible for auditing the use of animals in schools.

VSAEC inspections – monitoring the care and use of animals

The VSAEC has the authority to visit schools and inspect project compliance, animal housing facilities, and monitoring and record keeping. This only applies to schools undertaking a project or activity that has been approved by the VSAEC, including pre-approved activities.

Audits are scheduled on a case-by-case basis and aim to assist schools to meet their animal welfare requirements. They involve a pre-inspection questionnaire followed by an inspection visit by suitably qualified members of the VSAEC. A report will be prepared and released to the school principal and any staff involved in the projects.

Inspection records include:

• the results of the pre-inspection questionnaire
• the names of those who visited the school
• a record of observations
• a list of any identified problems
• follow-up correspondence with the school and teachers regarding outcomes of the visit.

It is important that schools maintain their record keeping of animals as these documents are requested as part of any inspection.

Animal Welfare Victoria audits

Every 3 years the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) through Animal Welfare Victoria conducts audits of licences and assesses compliance by all parties involved in the use of animals in schools – institutions, the VSAEC, schools and animal facilities, teachers.

Audits are an educational opportunity for schools, teachers, the VSAEC and auditors. The audit process can be used to evaluate and improve the facilities, procedures, and the delivery of approved projects.

About the Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee

Roles and responsibilities

The purpose of the Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee (VSAEC) is to ensure on behalf of the department that all activities relating to the use and care of animals for scientific purposes by schools is ethically acceptable and conducted in accordance with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Australian code).

The Australian code covers the care and use of animals in teaching activities where the ‘scientific purpose’ is to impart or demonstrate knowledge or techniques to achieve an educational outcome in science, as specified in the relevant curriculum or competency requirement. The VSAEC provides competent, fair and timely review of applications and reports related to the care and use of animals in government, Catholic and independent schools in Victoria.

Each year, the VSAEC meets quarterly to assess applications from schools and, if required, more frequently, to assess new applications, monitor ongoing projects, evaluate completion advice and meet other mandated responsibilities.

For more information, refer to Animal Welfare Victoria's resource on Animal Ethics Committees.

Committee composition

The Australian code stipulates a prescribed committee membership. The VSAEC comprises:

• Chairperson
• Category A: veterinarians with relevant experience
• Category B: persons with substantial recent scientific or teaching experience in the use of animals
• Category C: independent persons not involved in the scientific use of animals who have a demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals
• Category D: independent persons who have not been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities and who are independent of the institution
• Category E: persons responsible for the routine care of animals from within the institution
• Executive Officer
• Independent Schools Victoria representative
• Catholic education representative

Decisions on applications can be made by the VSAEC only at meetings where at least one representative from each of the categories A to D are present. In deciding on the approval of a project, the VSAEC will discuss the application and Category A to D members vote. Decisions to approve must be by consensus.

Terms of reference

The VSAEC Terms of reference can be downloaded from the Resources tab.

For any advice or assistance, teachers should contact the VSAEC Executive Officer at animalethics@education.vic.gov.au or by phone 1800 641 943.

Complaints and grievances

Complaints about animal treatment in a school

Complaints by students, staff or any member of the public should be raised with the principal of the school involved, and/or lodged directly with the Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee at: animalethics@education.vic.gov.au

Any concerns regarding the care, use or treatment of any animal on school property should be reported in writing as soon as possible. For more information and to register a complaint, please refer to the complaints process on the Resources tab.

In some cases it may be more appropriate to report to one of the following:

• Agriculture Victoria
• Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions
• RSPCA
• local government
• Victoria Police.

Refer to Agriculture Victoria – Report animal cruelty for more information.

Grievances against VSAEC decisions

A grievance by applicants against any decision taken by the VSAEC can be lodged with the Executive Officer of the VSAEC at animalethics@education.vic.gov.au

The VSAEC assesses applications and monitors the use of animals in scientific procedures. When the use of animals is not considered justifiable or when it does not conform with the requirements of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, projects can be rejected.

Factors that the VSAEC takes into account include:

• the impact on the animal or animals
• the anticipated educational value of the project
• the training and experience of all staff who will care for the animals during a project
• the facilities where animals will be housed and where classes will be conducted
• sourcing, caring and re-homing arrangements for the animals.

If applicants disagree with a VSAEC decision, they can register a grievance, asking the VSAEC to provide reasons for a certain decision or review a specific decision.

For more information and to register a grievance, refer to the VSAEC grievance process on the Resources tab.

Resources

Record keeping templates

• Amendments to an approved project (DOCX)
• Monitoring and recording animal welfare and care (DOCX)
• Reporting the death of an animal or unexpected adverse event (DOCX)
• Vet report (DOCX)
• Post-mortem report (DOCX)
• Project completion/annual report (DOCX)

Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee (VSAEC) governance

• VSAEC terms of reference (DOCX)
• VSAEC complaints process (DOCX)
• VSAEC grievance process (DOCX)

The Department of Education and Training is currently recruiting for volunteer VSAEC members. If you are interested in nominating, please read the VSAEC position description and complete the nomination form: VSAEC position description and nomination form (DOCX).

VSAEC application resources

Categories of animal use – table (DOCX)

Local policy template for dogs at school

The School Policy Templates Portal has a school policy template on bringing dogs to school. It is not mandatory for schools to have a policy about dogs on school grounds but some schools may wish to have one to communicate with their community on the rules applicable in their school. Refer to the School Policy Templates Portal: Dogs at School (staff login required).

Victorian codes of practice for animal welfare (Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions)

Victorian codes of practice set out recommended minimum standards and practices for the keeping of a wide range of species and animal related activities. These are available from the Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions Agriculture Victoria website.

Wildlife in schools permit (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning)

General school authorisation permits are available to government and Catholic schools. Independent schools must apply to obtain a free permit. Please refer to the Office of the Conservation Regulator.

Using chickens in the classroom

• VSAEC guide to teaching activities involving chickens (DOCX)
• RSPCA advice

Using fish and aquatic species

• Aquatic Animal Welfare – Overarching Principles, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)
• Aquarium industries – Fish Care website

Other resources from Animal Welfare Victoria

• About teaching with animals
• Animals in schools
• Animals in the classroom
• Preparing the classroom
• Classroom pets
• What type of pet?
• Teaching using animals