The Animal Welfare Act 1999 requires the use of animals in teaching be approved by Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). SPCA advocates for all teachers and students to conduct an evaluation of the potential harms and benefits of using and keeping animals in higher/tertiary education.

SPCA advocates that recognising and appreciating animals as sentient beings and providing them with a Good Life where they experience positive welfare for the entirety of their life and a humane death is taught in animal-related, farming, and biological science courses. Learning that promotes an understanding of what animals need and want, alongside our duty of care towards them, should be core topics in these fields of study.

SPCA opposes the use of animals in higher/ tertiary education where pain and distress are not minimised. Where animal husbandry units exist within teaching facilities, our organisation opposes animals being kept in conditions that do not meet their physical, health, and behavioural needs.

SPCA supports education establishments that prioritise using non-animal alternatives. Where there is no current alternative to animal use, our organisation acknowledges those establishments that maintain the highest levels of husbandry and welfare for the animals. SPCA advocates for education establishments to establish policies for students to opt-in rather than opt out to participate in animal-based teaching activities where animal welfare is compromised, and to provide non-animal alternatives that allow non-participating students to meet the course requirements.