NGS Animal Ethics Workshop

How to apply for and look after Animals in Schools.

Overview of categories 1 -3Category 1● Approval by Delegated Animal Ethics person

Category 2● Approval by Principal -may delegate

Category 3● Approval by Principal- May Not Delegate

With all 3 categories I would recommend that the Application form is filled in to ensure educational outcomes addressed and SOP’s are followed. This ensures the care of animals has been considered and documented.

SOP Link

https://www.ais.sa.edu.au/wp -content/uploads/Pages/Animal_Ethics/SOP -01-Green-Tree-Frog.pdf

Class Pets

Class pets fit within Category 1 - 3

Class pets offer a great way for students to learn to care for and respect animals

● Students learn empathy● Students learn about responsibility● Can be integrated into subjects throughout the year● Lesson hooks● Research and learning opportunities (lifecycle, feeding, reproduction, geography)

Principal’s Responsibilities

● Legal responsibility● Animal Welfare Act 1985● Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 2013● Adverse events (sign off)

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)SOP’s are available on AISSA website for a variety of different animals (these have been approved by The AEC)

Click on this link and then a list of SOPs will be available under the Standing Operating Procedure heading.

https://www.ais.sa.edu.au/animal -ethics/

Application Form

Available on AISSA members website

● Application to keep Animals in Schools for Science and Teaching purposes○ Educational outcomes○ Species○ 3R’s○ Source of animals○ Fate of animals (after program)

● Tick Boxes

Overview of Category 4 -5Category 4

● Many routine husbandry techniques which have the potential to be painful or distressing to the animal

● AEC approval required● Submit NGS Application to keep Animals in Schools for Science and Teaching

purposes

Category 5

● Many husbandry techniques which have the potential to be painful or distressing to the animal and require a level of expertise or supervision to ensure that adverse events do not occur

● AEC approval required● Submit NGS Application to keep Animals in Schools for Science and Teaching

purposes

NGS Annual Report

At the conclusion of each year any school keeping animals must advise the AEC of the number of animals kept/used that year ONLY IF they have applied to the AEC to keep animals.

This allows for data to be included in the statistical use of animals for research and teaching reported to the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

Record KeepingThis is an important part of keeping animals in any situation.

● Ensures SOP’s followed● Feeding regimes documented● Communicates duties to those

responsible● Keeps those looking after

animals accountable w ithin the school

● Ensures legal requirements are met

● Keeps accurate management records

● Assists Veterinarian if required

School VeterinarianAny school keeping animals in Category 1-5 MUST have a listed school Veterinarian or Clinic.

It is important that the chosen vet or clinic is contacted before submitting their names as the school vet, and this must be checked and kept current each year.

Maintaining open lines of communication with your vet takes time, but it pays great dividends.

Adverse EventsRequired for any unexpected or adverse incident involving any animals at the school.

Examples include: Death, serious illness and vandalism

Adverse event forms must be lodged as soon as possible following the occurrence of the event.

In some instances supporting materials may be required, including veterinary reports and photographs.

Emergency PlanAn emergency plan must;

● Cover all relevant major disasters

● Identify which animals to evacuate and which to

leave behind

● Clearly mark evacuation routes from the property

● Include an emergency/disaster kit

● List alternative housing for animals and contact

numbers

● Identify the safest locations for animals to be kept

if remaining on site

● Be discussed with the Principal, recorded and

clearly displayed

QuestionsPlease feel free to ask any questions and we will do our best to answer.