The NGSAEC approval process will be a continual work in progress and input from schools is welcomed by our committee. Any feedback or suggestions can be tabled for consideration by our committee by emailing animalethics@cesa.catholic.edu.au.  

The current approval process is as follows:

1. Schools to review the Animal Care Information Sheet (ACIS) for the animal species they are seeking approval for.  ACIS’ provide comprehensive guidelines on animal care, focusing on various aspects such as handling, training, health management, and transportation.
   
   The NGSAEC Animal Care Information Sheets also provide schools with guidance on whether the activities:
   1. Require School Principal approval only or;
   2. Require NGSAEC approval prior to the commencement of the activity.
       
2. If Principal approval only is determined, schools need to ensure the following:

• The Principal has approved the program.
• The program involves basic animal husbandry, and no invasive procedures will be carried out on the animals.
• Please ensure that ethical disposal/fate planning of the animals has been considered and planned for. 
• The school has a nominated Animal Ethics Focus Person who has undertaken Compass ANZCCART  Training - https://anzccart.adelaide.edu.au/compass.   Please feel free to forward this person’s name and certificate to the animal ethics email address for noting.
• The school has a nominated vet who is aware of the program and can assist if required.
• The school understands their obligations under the SA Animal Welfare Act and Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.
   

3. If NGSAEC approval is required, schools need to ensure that the points for Principal Approval only above have been undertaken and then complete an Application Form (see FORMS). Schools are encouraged to review the exemplar example applications and seek support from NGSAEC Executive Officers if they require clarification on anything. Applications submitted must be of a high standard with clear links to curriculum and with quality photos provided.  
   
   The Committee meets once per term. Applications are approved for 2 years. Schools are encouraged to apply 6 months prior to expiry to ensure a seamless approval process.

Application to Keep Animals in Schools for Science and Teaching Purposes

Please read the section on APPROVAL PROCESS before downloading this form.

An application form must be completed for animals to be kept at schools where the Animal Care Information Statement indicates approval from the NGSAEC is required. The form should be returned to the Committee at least 6 months before expiry of a current approval or before a new activity is commenced noting that the approval process can take 6 months as the committee only meets once per term. 

Emailed applications are preferred.  Where an activity is not listed in the Animal Care Information Statement this application form must be completed and sent to the NGSAEC for approval.   If an animal is not cared for in line with the ACIS a full application to the NGSAEC must be made.

Notification from Veterinary Practice re School as Client

This form is to be completed by the Veterinary Practice where the school is a client. This is to give the Committee some assurance that the Practice is ready to service the school’s animals when required.

Adverse Events form

Where an animal becomes ill, injured, dies or other unexpected incident directly affecting the health and wellbeing of an animal this must be reported to the NGSAEC within 7 days of the event occurring. This applies to any animal cared for at the school. These forms should be sent to the address shown above. Emailed copies are preferred.

The documents below may help you with your applications.

• Well written and detailed Adverse Event Report example
• Example of Animal Feed Care and Health Records – there are two different styles within the same document.
• The University of Adelaide, Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) ComPASS ANZCCART Online Course

The following are examples of well written and detailed Applications for:

• Snake
• Alpacas
• Sheep

Research into the effects of therapy or support dogs in schools shows a range of benefits, including:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Increased school attendance
• Improvements in confident and self esteem
• Improvements in learning outcomes
• Enhanced relationships with peers and teachers.

Consideration must also be given to the welfare of the dog and the school has a responsibility for maintaining the dog’s health and wellbeing.

We encourage you to read the attached example Wellbeing Dog Policy which may assist you and your school before using a therapy dog at your school.

Other useful links:

• Therapy Dogs in School Settings
• Service Animals Australia

Below are some valuable resources for schools that keep fish as part of their School Curriculum.
The NGSAEC have been granted approval to use these documents:

• Australian Government DAFF Aquatic Animal Welfare Guidelines
• Fish and Fisheries – Can fish really feel pain?
• Flinders University SOP for the use of Marine and Aquaculture Facilities
• Flinders University SOP for Working with Fish
• Information on Euthanasia of Fish

The following site offers invaluable information in regard to the incubation and hatching of eggs for lifecycle projects.  It is recommended that a school who wishes to facilitate this type of program use the Living Eggs Program which provides very good procedures, collects the chicks for re-homing and provides guides for different levels of schooling.

The following links offer invaluable information regarding Scabby Mouth in Sheep.

• Department of Primary Industries and Regions - Sheep Disease Farmers' Guide

• Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching Limited (ANZCCART)
• The Animal Welfare Act 1985
• Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

• Terms of Reference 2024
• Membership Categories