Codes of ethical conduct and arrangements

Codes of Ethical Conduct

Animal use for RTT can only be undertaken by people or organisations who have a code of ethical conduct (CEC) or an arrangement to use another organisation’s CEC. CECs are approved by MPI and outline the policies/procedures that the organisation uses to undertake RTT.

If you would like to apply for a CEC, please complete the application pack below and return to MPI. According to the Animal Welfare Act 1999 the Director-General is required to consult with NAEAC prior to providing a decision to the applicant. If you have any questions about this process please contact MPI at animal.welfare@mpi.govt.nz

CEC application pack

NAEAC and MPI have developed a CEC application pack to assist organisations when applying for a CEC. The pack includes a template for a CEC. Applicants may vary the content of the template to suit their organisation, but should retain the order of sections, and must meet the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

Arrangements to use another organisation’s Code of Ethical Conduct

Some RTT organisations may choose to enter into an arrangement to use another organisation’s CEC instead of applying for and maintaining their own. Organisations that permit these arrangements outline the process around these arrangements in the CEC. If you are interested in this type of arrangement you may contact any code holder (see list of code holders below) to discuss this process (as they differ between organisations). Arrangements are at the discretion of the code holder.

The requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 as well as those outlined in the CEC apply equally to both parties.

List of New Zealand code holders

If you’re unsure whether a CEC or an arrangement is the best option for your organisation, please contact MPI at animal.welfare@mpi.govt.nz

Code of Ethical Conduct reviews

As outlined in the Act (section 94), CECs have a maximum lifetime of 5 years. Upon expiry organisations must arrange a review by an accredited reviewer and apply for a new CEC.

You can read more about CECs, arrangements and reviews in NAEAC’s Good Practice Guide Part 3.