Animal Ethics
Non-Government Schools Animal Ethics Committee
The Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA) and Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) jointly manage the Non-Government Schools Animal Ethics Committee (NGSAEC).
New Applications and Adverse Events for 2025 should be emailed to animalethics@ais.sa.edu.au
FORMS
Please find below recently updated forms which may be downloaded for use:
- Application to Keep Animals in Schools for Science and Teaching Purposes
- Notification from Veterinary Practice re School as Client
- Adverse Events form
The following are examples of well written and detailed Applications for:
Please click here for an example of a well written and detailed Adverse Event Report.
Please click here for an example of Animal Feed Care and Health Records. There are two different styles within the same document. These can be adapted to the school’s needs and are a necessary part of animal keeping.
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@ais.sa.edu.au
The current approval process is as follows:
- 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:
- Require School Principal approval only or;
- Require NGSAEC approval prior to the commencement of the activity.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 01 Alpacas Animal Care Information Sheet
- 02 Aquaculture Animal Care Information Sheet
- 03 Axolotls Animal Care Information Sheet
- 04 Birds, Caged Animal Care Information Sheet
- 05 Cattle Animal Care Information Sheet
- 06 Chickens Animal Care Information Sheet
- 07 Dogs, Therapy Animal Care Information Sheet
- 07b Dogs, Therapy Risk Assessment Template
- 08 Ducks Geese Animal Care Information Sheet
- 09 Dunnart Animal Care Information Sheet
- 10 Fish Animal Care Information Sheet
- 11 Frogs and Tadpoles Animal Care Information Sheet
- 12 Goats Animal Care Information Sheet
- 13 Guinea Pigs Animal Care Information Sheet
- 14 Hermit Crabs Animal Care Information Sheet
- 15 Horses Animal Care Information Sheet
- 16 Invertebrates Animal Care Information Sheet
- 17 Lizards Animal Care Information Sheet
- 18 Mice Animal Care Information Sheet
- 19 Pigs Animal Care Information Sheet
- 20 Rabbits Animal Care Information Sheet
- 21 Rats Animal Care Information Sheet
- 22 Sheep Animal Care Information Sheet
- 23 Show and Tell Animal Care Information Sheet
- 24 Snakes Animal Care Information Sheet
- 25 Tortoises Animal Care Information Sheet
- 26 Turkeys Animal Care Information Sheet
- 27 Yabbies Animal Care Information Sheet
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 following are examples of well written and detailed Applications for:
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:
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:
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.