Animals in Research

Question 1

How is compliance met?

Answer 1

Through the Animal Welfare Act (WA) and the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

Question 2

ll research involving animals at Curtin, including observations of animal behaviour in their natural habitat, requires approval from the?

Answer 2

Curtin Animal Ethics Committee

Question 3

Projects are rigorously reviewed before approval and must meet the “three Rs” –> what are three Rs?

Answer 3

• The replacement of animals with other methods. Curtin only endorses the use of animals in research when it is absolutely necessary and no other methods can achieve the research outcome
• The reduction in the number of animals used by good experimental design and use of statistics. Curtin will only approve the minimum number of animals required to achieve the research outcome
• The refinement of techniques used to minimise adverse impact. Curtin will only approve methods that minimise cruelty and suffering to animals