Toad Dissection for Years 8 to 10 - Education Queensland

Schools Repeating Application Form for Toad Dissection – Years 8-10 1/10/2010 

Approval: Activity Continuous EDUCATION QUEENSLAND 

On behalf of 

EDUCATION QUEENSLAND 

I, Julie Grantham, acknowledge that I am the Education Queensland 

representative who will oversee, in all Education Queensland schools, the 

conduct of this animal use activity, toad dissection, for students in Years 8-10. 

In that capacity I agree: 

a) to acquire and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Australian Code 

of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes prepared 

jointly by the NHMRC, CSIRO and ARMCANZ (the Scientific Use Code) and all 

Commonwealth and State Legislative and Codes of Practice requirements 

applicable to this Activity. 

b) all work in this activity that involves the use of animals will be carried out in 

compliance with the Scientific Use Code and all applicable Commonwealth and 

State Legislative requirements. 

c) no animal will be used in this activity except as described in this application. 

d) to accept, for the duration of this activity, full responsibility for the welfare of all 

animals used in this activity. 

e) all staff members and students involved in animal use activities are competent to 

perform the necessary tasks with care and knowledge of their ethical and legal 

responsibilities. 

f) to put in place systems to ensure all personnel involved in this activity comply 

with all conditions imposed by the Queensland Schools Animal Ethics 

Committee. 

g) all other school staff members who will be involved in this activity have read this 

application form in the version submitted to the Queensland Schools Animal 

Ethics Committee. 

Name: Julie Grantham 

Position: Director-General 

Signature: 

Date: 

Once this document has approval from the Queensland Schools Animal Ethics 

Committee, an electronic copy of this complete document will be sent to all Education 

Queensland schools that undertake or intend to undertake this animal use activity. The 

declaration on page 5 of this document must be signed by the teacher-in-charge of 

Science and the School Principal and then faxed or posted to the Education 

Queensland Animal Ethics Officer. Please refer to Section 1.6, page 5. 

Page 1 of 25



SCHOOL: EDUCATION QUEENSLAND 

Postal Address: PO Box 15033, City East, Q 4002 

APPLICATION TO USE ANIMALS IN EDUCATION 

FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES 

(EXTERNAL TO DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES) 

Section 1 Details of the proposed animal use activity 

1.1. Activity Title 

Toad Dissection 

1.2. Objectives of the proposed animal use activity 

1.2.1. This activity is proposed for: 

Students from Years 8-10 studying Science 

1.2.2. This proposed animal use activity has the following stated 

outcomes: 

To achieve core learning outcomes in the Life and Living Strand of the Years 

1-10, Science Syllabus, 1999. These are: 

4.1 Students examine the internal and external structures of living things. 

5.1 Students collect information about the structure and function of living 

things. 

To enable students to develop the attributes of a lifelong learner as an active 

investigator (Science Syllabus, 1999) through direct involvement in dissection 

and observation. 

To enable students to ‘work scientifically’ by collecting information and handling 

materials (Science Syllabus, 1999) in a ‘real life’ situation as experienced in 

dissection and observation. 

1.2.3. Format of the proposed animal use activity: 

Activity performed by students with supervision Yes No 

Activity performed by students without supervision Yes No 

1.2.4. Does the proposed animal use activity offer opportunities for 

students to discuss the ethical, social and scientific issues involved 

in the use of animals for scientific purposes? 

Yes No 

Page 2 of 25



This activity allows for class discussion of a range of ethical and social issues related to 

animal rights, the principles of reverence for life, stewardship and the use of animals for 

experimentation. 

Students who do not wish to participate in using animals in this scientific procedure will 

be provided with alternative tasks that provide them with similar knowledge and do not 

disadvantage their studies in this topic. 

1.3. Status of Application 

1.3.1. What is the current status of this application? 

Resubmission of the Education Queensland Toad Dissection application 

approved in 2006. 

1.3.2. What is the total period of approval sought by this application? 

Up to 3 years. 

1.3.3. Has this application been considered by another Animal Ethics 

Committee (AEC)? 

Yes No 

1.4. Expected commencement and completion dates of the proposed animal 

use activity. 

Expected Commencement Date Expected Completion Date 

Activity continuous 

Term 2, 2010 

Activity continuous 

Term 3, 2013 

1.5. Details of school/s or college/s seeking approval for the proposed animal 

use activity. 

1.5.1. Name all schools / colleges 

undertaking this proposed animal use 

activity. 

Education Queensland schools offering 

Science for Years 8-10. See attached 

document detailing the Education 

Queensland schools that undertake these 

Science programs. 

1.5.2. Description of school group Education Queensland 

1.5.3. Year Levels Years 8-10 

1.5.4. Area of studies Science for Years 8-10 

1.5.5. DPI&F scientific user registration 

number 

0102 

Page 3 of 25



1.5.6. Is the class teacher/s conducting 

this proposed animal use activity 

considered competent with at least two 

years of practical experience in 

dissection activities? 

1.5.7. Anticipated number of Education 

Queensland schools to be involved in 

this continuous toad dissection 

activity. 

1.5.8. Anticipated number of Education 

Queensland students to be involved in 

this continuous toad dissection 

activity. 

1.5.9. Number of times this toad 

dissection activity will be performed 

during the Science Years 8-10 program. 

Yes 

No 

300 Education Queensland schools per 

year 

Approximately 9000 students per year 

The option to participate in one toad 

dissection will be provided to Education 

Queensland school students, as they 

progress through Years 8, 9 and 10, if this 

activity is part of the school’s Science 

program. 

PLEASE NOTE: Cane toads may be kept without a licence or permit. However it is 

illegal to release a non-native animal to the wild. 

Complete your school’s plan for animal dissections. 

List the types of animal 

dissections undertaken in 

your school. 

Year Levels 

Year 8 

Year 9 

Year 10 

Year 11 

Year 12 

List the alternatives to 

using animals that your 

school uses and has 

available. 

Page 4 of 25



Declaration of authority to perform this proposed animal use activity: 

Toad Dissection with students studying Science Years 8 to 10. 

I, ___________________________, acknowledge that I am the teacher 

appointed/authorised teacher representative who will conduct this animal use 

activity at ____________________________________________________________. 

In that capacity I agree: 

(School/College name) 

a) to acquire and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Australian Code of 

Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes prepared jointly by the 

NHMRC, CSIRO and ARMCANZ (the Scientific Use Code) and all Commonwealth and 

State Legislative and Codes of Practice requirements applicable to this Activity. 

b) all work in this activity that involves the use of animals will be carried out in compliance 

with the Scientific Use Code and all applicable Commonwealth and State Legislative 

requirements. 

c) no animal will be used in this activity except as described in this application. 

d) to accept, for the duration of this activity, full responsibility for the welfare of all animals 

used in this Activity. 

e) all staff members and students involved in animal use activities are competent to 

perform the necessary tasks with care and knowledge of their ethical and legal 

responsibilities. 

f) to put in place systems to ensure all personnel involved in the activity comply with all 

conditions imposed by the Animal Ethics Committee. 

g) all other school staff members who will be involved in this activity have read this 

application form in the version submitted to the Animal Ethics Committee. 

Name: Name: 

Position: Principal 

Signature: 

Signature: 

Date: Date: 

Fax a signed copy of Section 1.6 (this page) to: 

Animal Ethics Officer Fax: (07) 3235 4379 

OR post a signed copy of Section 1.6 to the Animal Ethics Officer: 

Education House, PO Box 15033, City East Q 4002 

When a signed copy of this Declaration is held by the Education 

Queensland Animal Ethics Officer your Education Queensland school 

has permission from Education Queensland to undertake toad 

dissection with Years 8 to 10 students. 

Page 5 of 25



Section 2 Mandatory Reporting Elements 

2.1. List the scientific purposes to 

be undertaken with this 

proposed animal use activity. 

2.2. List the categories of procedure 

in this proposed animal use 

activity. 

2.3. Where will the animals in this 

proposed animal use activity be 

located? 

2.4. During this proposed animal 

use activity, who will be the 

contact person? 

2.5. Who owns the animals during 

this proposed animal use 

activity? 

2.6. What is the source of the 

animals to be used in this 

proposed animal use activity? 

2.7. Detail arrangements for the 

disposal of animals at the 

completion of this proposed 

animal use activity. 

Educational Outcomes: (See 1.2.2.) 

Observational studies involving 

minor interference 

Animal unconscious without recovery 

Minor conscious intervention without 

anaesthesia 

Minor operative procedures with 

recovery 

Surgery with recovery 

Minor physiological challenge 

Major physiological challenge 

Science laboratory 

School property, including school farms 

Name: HOD Science or Science teacher-incharge 

Position: HOD Science, Biological Science 

Teacher, Science Teacher or Scientific 

Assistant. 

School phone number: See attached 

Contact List. 

School fax number: See attached Contact 

List. 

Email address: See attached Contact List. 

The Education Queensland School 

undertaking this Toad Dissection activity. 

Students or staff collect toads from their 

local habitat (eg. backyards) prior to the 

activity. 

After dissection, toads are to be bagged, 

labelled, frozen and disposed of safely in the 

school’s commercial waste disposal service. 

Page 6 of 25



2.8. Description of animals to be used in this proposed animal use activity. 

2.8.1. Species of animal to be 

used. 

2.8.2. Anticipated number of 

animals to be used in this 

proposed animal use 

activity. 

2.8.3. Indicate the class of 

animals and how many 

animals are to be used in 

this animal use activity. 

Bufo marinus 

Common cane toad (pest species) 

Approximately 3000 toads in total for 

Education Queensland schools. 

Pre-natal Yes No 

How many: 

New born Yes No 

How many: 

Juvenile/weaner Yes No 

How many: 

Adults Yes No 

How many: 3000 toads 

Genetically modified Yes No 

organisms 

How many 

Other Yes No 

How many 

Details: 

Page 7 of 25



Section 3 Justification for the use of animals in this proposed animal 

use activity 

3.1. Justify the purpose of this proposed animal use activity. 

To enable students to ‘work scientifically’ by collecting, recording and analysing 

information and handling materials (Science Syllabus, 1999) when involved in 

dissection and observation during this practical activity. 

To provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the following core learning 

outcomes in the Life and Living Strand of the Years 1-10 (Science Syllabus, 

1999): 

- 4.1 Students examine the internal and external structures of living things. 

- 5.1 Students collect information about the structure and function of living 

things. 

As students will examine amphibian structure first hand and collect information 

through direct observation during this activity, learning outcomes are optimised. 

To enable students to develop the attributes of a lifelong learner as an active 

investigator (Science Syllabus, 1999) through ‘real life’ learning experiences, 

which will occur when involved in observation and dissection of a toad. 

3.2. Replacement considerations for this proposed animal use activity. 

3.2.1. Outline the reasons why the use of animals is necessary to achieve 

the desired outcomes of this proposed animal use activity. 

No other currently available alternative can replace the ‘hands-on’ 

experience of observing and dissecting. 

3.2.2. Have alternatives for this proposed animal use activity been 

considered? 

Yes No 

Alternative activities could include: 

� Text book learning 

� Class discussion 

� Viewing videos 

� 3D models 

� Internet based multimedia presentations and simulations 

Indicate why other alternatives considered are unsuitable for this 

proposed animal use activity. 

While these alternatives broaden the scope of the learning experience, they don’t 

produce all the required educational outcomes. In a hands-on dissection, 

students are able to investigate the complexity and organisation of the toad 

anatomy independently in a three dimensional, kinaesthetic mode. (Franklin et 

al., 2001). 

Page 8 of 25



PLEASE NOTE: Students who decide not to undertake studies where real animals are 

used must be given alternative activities that provide equal learning opportunities. 

These students are not to be disadvantaged in any way. 

3.2.3. Have other alternatives to animal use been used in your school for 

this activity previously? 

Yes No 

3.2.4. What reduction considerations have been incorporated into this 


Using a ratio of 1 toad per 3 students provides a compromise between 

ensuring that the number of animals required is minimised and providing 

an effective learning experience for each student. 

3.2.5. What are the stated number of animals required for this proposed 

animal use activity? 

Approximately 1 toad per 3 students. 

3.2.6. Is this proposed animal use activity a repeat of an earlier activity 

using animals? 

Yes No 

3.2.7. Have the animals in this proposed animal use activity been used in 

any previous scientific or teaching activity? 

Yes No 

3.3. What other ethical aspects are to be considered when undertaking this 


3.3.1. Alternatives to using animals are to be encouraged whenever and 

wherever possible. 

Yes No 

3.3.2. Permits are a requirement? 

Yes No 

3.3.3. Are there any additional features of this proposed animal use activity 

that require special ethical consideration? 

Yes No 

Page 9 of 25



3.3.4. Are there any health risks to students, other staff members or other 

animals due to this proposed animal use activity? 

Yes No 

Salmonella is a zoonotic disease that may be carried by frogs and toads (Taylor et al., 

2000). The risk of student infection is assessed as low. Students and staff will wear 

disposable gloves and use mild disinfectant during the dissection procedure. 

Cane toads can secrete poison from two large glands on the back of the neck, even 

squirting it a short distance if firmly hit or squeezed. The poison can cause severe skin 

and eye irritation and should be washed off with water immediately if contact occurs. 

Medical attention should be sought if necessary. To minimize poisoning risk, staff and 

students should handle toads gently, using gloves or plastic bags. Hands must be 

washed after handling and dissection. Staff members who pith toads should wear safety 

glasses. 

Section 4 Specific proposed activity details, including refinement 

considerations using Standard Operating Procedures 

Considerations: 

This document is a detailed description of what will happen to the animals from the time 

they are obtained through to the completion of the activity. 

Once this toad dissection activity is approved as described, teachers MUST NOT VARY 

any aspect of the activity’s procedures without approval from the Queensland Schools 

Animal Ethics Committee. 

4.1. Checklist: 

4.1.1. Ratios to minimise animals used are included here: 

Student : teacher ratio to be used in this procedure 

30 : 1 or more adults is the preferred minimum. 

Student : animal ratio to be used in this procedure. 

3 : 1 is the likely ratio. 

4.1.2. Detailed sequence of activity events: 

Page 10 of 25



Procedure 

to be used 

Collection 

and initial 

housing of 

toads. 

Transport of 

toads and 

housing at 

school 

Full description of procedure Methods to minimise any 

distress or pain animals may 

suffer as a result of this 

Students are instructed in safe, 

humane collection and care of toads 

eg. Correct handling, correct housing, 

moisture, warmth. Procedures must be 

made available to parents through a 

note, handout, exercise book notes or 

other suitable means. See Appendices 

A and C for details. 

Students are instructed to collect 

healthy uninjured specimens only and 

are advised of signs of good health 

(eg. Skin appearance, level of activity). 

Students collect the toad on an 

arranged night some time before the 

dissection activity is to be undertaken. 

The captured toads are transported to 

the scientific assistant or science 

teacher on the next morning after 

capture for care in preparation for 

euthanizing or storing. 

To ensure complete euthanizing of 

toads, planning will be necessary for 

the toad collection and delivery. Allow 

for a minimum of 3 hours cooling time 

and 3 full days freezing time prior to 

dissection. 

Euthanasia Option 1a: Stepped hypothermia at 

school. The toad in a plastic bag or 

suitable plastic container is placed in 

the refrigerator to bring it to a state of 

torpor for 3 hours. It is then frozen in 

deep freezing conditions for at least 

3 full days. 

Option 1b: Stepped hypothermia at 

home by student with parental 

assistance. 

PLEASE NOTE: Procedures must be 

made available to parents / carers 

through a note, handout, exercise book 

notes or other suitable means. 

procedure 

When collected, toads should be held 

in cupped hands and not squeezed. 

Handling should be minimised. Gloves 

or plastic bags should be worn over 

hands. 

If kept overnight toads must be 

retained in a secure clean container 

with air holes. The container and the 

toad should be sprayed with water to 

ensure that they are kept moist. (See 

Appendix A.) (Edith Cowan University, 

2003) 

Parents / Carers in charge of this 

procedure at home must complete a 

consent form. (See Appendix C.) 

Option 1a: Live toads are taken to 

school by students in a secure, clean, 

moist container with air holes. 

Option 1b: Frozen toads (euthanased 

at home) are taken to school in a 

secure container. (See Appendix B for 

details.) 

Activity leader (teacher) should make a 

professional judgment whether to allow 

students to conduct euthanasia (Option 

1b) at home prior to the activity. 

Parents / carers in charge of this 

procedure at home must sign and 

return a consent form. (See Appendix 

C.) 

Option 1a is the preferred EQ 

option. 

Toads are chilled to render them 

unconscious. (See Appendix B.) 

Toads are frozen to render them fully 

unconscious. (See Appendix B.) 

Stepped Hypothermia at school as 

advocated by CSIRO and RSPCAQ 

is the recommended method. 

Parents / Carers in charge of this 

procedure at home must complete and 

sign a consent form. (See Appendix 

C.) 

Page 11 of 25



Toad 

dissection 

Internal 

inspection 

Toad 

disposal 

Option 2: Pithing – Only to be 

conducted by staff competent in this 

procedure. 

Pithing is only conducted by a teacher 

or scientific assistant who has been 

trained in this technique by 

demonstration and then under 

observation of a competent person 

until competence is gained. 

Option 3: Veterinary euthanasia. 

The toad is euthanized by a 

veterinarian or an experienced 

operator using drugs approved by the 

Queensland Health Department. 

Begin the dissection by placing the 

toad on its back and pinning it to the 

board through its feet. 

Make the necessary incision/s and 

pin back the skin layer to the right and 

the left side of the toad. 

Cut through the abdominal wall and 

pin out the flaps of the abdominal wall 

on either side. 

Identify the significant organs of the 

digestive system and trace the 

pathway linking these organs. Note 

observations and sketch the relative 

positions of these organs. 


respiratory system and trace the 





circulatory system and trace the 




Upon completion of the dissection 

activity all toads and tissue used in the 

experiment will be placed into plastic 

bags. 

The plastic bags are sealed and 

stored in the freezer until the time of 

disposal. 

All the plastic-encased animal tissue 

is placed in the garbage disposal 

service or medical disposal system 

used within the school site. 

Teacher toad dissection 

demonstrations are best undertaken 

using a pithed toad. 

PLEASE NOTE: PITHING IS A 

SPECIALIST TECHNIQUE. STAFF 

MEMBERS UNDERTAKING PITHING 

MUST BE COMPETENT IN THIS 

TECHNIQUE. 

PLEASE NOTE: Pithing is NEVER to 

be undertaken as a class 

demonstration. 

Toads must be handled and 

euthanized quickly and efficiently by a 

competent operator. 

The toad is unconscious without 

recovery. 

Page 12 of 25



4.2. Details of personnel and institutions involved in this proposed activity with 

their competence in procedures. 

Name of 

person 

involved in 

the proposed 

activity 

Science 

teacher 

Science 

Assistant 

Contact the 

schools 

individually 

for this 

information. 

Person’s 

workplace 

title eg. 

Science 

Teacher, 

HOD, Science 

Assistant 

As per 

attached 

contact list. 

Contact the 

schools 

individually 



Contact 

Details 

Phone: as 

per attached 

contact list 

Fax: as per 

attached 

contact list 

Email: as 

per attached 

contact list 

Procedure this 

person is 

competent in. 

Contact the 

schools 

individually 



Individual 

competence is 

determined by 

the school. 

4.3. Conditions of animal housing and handling. 

How many 

years 

experience 

does this 

person have in 

performing the 

procedure? 

At least 2 

years 

experience is 

required. 

Relevant 

University or 

Technical 

Qualifications to 

perform this 

procedure. 

Contact the 

schools 

individually for 

this information. 

Provide details of the facilities where the animals will be kept routinely and where 

any specific procedures will be carried out. 

At home: 

Toads are kept in suitable moist warm and ventilated containers for a period of less than 

18 hours. 

At school: 

Toads are kept in suitable moist warm and ventilated containers for a period of less than 

8 hours. 

Teachers advise students on suitable container type (eg 2L sized clean ice cream 

container with a lid containing air holes.) 

4.4. Details of how animals will be monitored. 

Provide details of how the animals will be monitored to assess the impact of 

procedures before and after the proposed activity. Also provide details of how 

animals will be monitored prior to euthanizing. 

Method of 

mentoring 


Frequency 

of 

monitoring 


Person 

responsible 

for 


How many 

years 

experience 

does this 

person have in 


animals? 

Is this person 

competent to 

recognise sick 

or injured 

animals? 

Supervision Continuous Student/Staff Variable Yes No 

Is this 

person 

competent 

to treat sick 

or injured 

animals? 

Page 13 of 25

Schools Repeating Application Form for Toad Dissection 1/10/2010 


What procedures will be taken if this person is unable to treat sick or injured 

animals? 

Not Applicable 

If animals remain on school property over weekends and during holidays, detail 

here the monitoring program in place to ensure the well-being and security of 

these animals. 

Not applicable 

Toads will be euthanized as soon as possible upon their arrival in the laboratory if not 

previously undertaken by students at home. Once frozen, the toads can be kept in the 

freezer until required. If refrigeration difficulties occur, a backup freezing facility is to be 

found to store the toads. If no back up freezing facility is available the toads are to be 

disposed of safely. 

4.5. Withdrawal parameters 

Detail the specific parameters to be used to indicate the need for animal 

withdrawal from this proposed activity. 

Procedure 

Collection and initial 

housing of toads 

Housing and euthanizing of 

the toads at school (1a), 

the EQ preferred method, 

and at students’ homes 

(1b) with written permission 

from student’s carers. 

Full records of animals 

collected, euthanized and 

disposed of are to be kept 

and included in the annual 

animal use report for your 

school. 

Withdrawal parameter/s to 

be used 

Students will be instructed 

not to collect any toad that 

appears sick or injured or 

whose behaviour is unusual. 

Students will be instructed to 

check toads in the evening 

and morning of capture. 

Assessment of each toad will 

be made by the scientific 

assistant or science teacher. 

Housing and euthanasia of all 

toads will be done efficiently 

to minimise the stress on 

toads. 

Indicate whether 

treatment or euthanasia 

will occur for this 

parameter 

Any toads with missing 

body parts, signs of 

disease or infection or 

severe distress will be 

euthanized and disposed 

of through the routine 

laboratory disposal 

system. 

Teaching staff will assess 

which toads will be 

euthanized and used or 

disposed of. 

Refer to Appendices E, F 

and G upon completion of 

this activity with students. 

Page 14 of 25



4.6. Animal emergency management arrangements 

Detail the arrangements that are in place to deal with an emergency animal event, 

both in school hours and outside school hours. 

Contact person in the 

event of an emergency 

Science HOD or teacher, 

science assistant or school 

principal. 

PLEASE NOTE: 

Contact details – 

all hours 

As per attached 

contact list. 

What competency and authority 

does this person hold to treat 

animal emergency situations, 

including euthanasia? 

School principals authorise relevant 

staff to respond to emergencies and 

seek veterinarian assistance when 

needed. 

Each school must have in place an emergency management plan which deals with 

events in school hours and out of school hours. Details of the plan will vary according to 

the individual school. However all school plans must cover at least: 

• Frequency of monitoring, including weekends and school holidays. 

• Response plan in the case of animal sickness, escape, death, natural disaster 

or vandalism. 

• List of after hours contact numbers including the agricultural science HOD or 

TIC, or agricultural assistant, or school principal and at least one local 

veterinarian. 

• List of person/s competent to euthanize animals if necessary. (This may be the 

local veterinarian but in many cases will be the Agricultural Science HOD/TIC 

or assistant). 

• Staff members must be authorised by the school principal to use the services 

of a veterinarian as necessary. 

It is also recommended that each school develop a list of community-based animal 

carers who would be available to assist with transport, feeding and care (particularly 

after school hours) in the event of an emergency. 

Enquiries about Scientific animal use in Queensland Schools to: 

Phone: (07) 3235 4613 

Fax: (07) 3235 4379 

Email: mark.mccosker@qed.qld.gov.au 

Page 15 of 25



Section 5 References and useful resources 

Science: Years 1 to 10 Syllabus. 1999. The Office of the Queensland School 

Curriculum Council: Brisbane 

Franklin, S., Peat, M. and Lewis, A. 2001. Virtual versus traditional dissections in 

enhancing learning: a student perspective. 

http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/melbourne01/pdf/papers/franklins.pdf 

Accessed 17 August 2006. 

Hyatt, A. and Robinson, T., 2004. Biological Control of Cane Toads, CSIRO, 

Australia, Divisions of Livestock Industries and Sustainable Ecosystems. 

http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/cane-toad- 

2004/pubs/cane-toad-2004.pdf 


Tyler, M.J. 1999. Frogs and toads as experimental animals. ANZCCART News Vol 

12 No 1 March 1999 

Edith Cowan University. 2003. Care and use of animals: Procedures version 1.0. 

http://www.chs.ecu.edu.au/org/osh/documents/procedures/AnimalWelfare.pdf 


University of Florida. 2003 Frequently asked questions about frogs and toads of 

Florida. http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/FAQs_about_Frogs_and_Toads.htm 


Queensland Museum. Cane Toad Fact sheet. 

http://www.qmuseum.qld.gov.au/inquiry.leaflets/leaflet0030.pdf 


Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, 

7 th Edition, 2004, Australian Government National Health and Medical Research 

Council. 

Useful teaching resources 

http://www.frogs.org/froghoo/subcategory.asp?SubCategoryID=74 

Accessed 8 September 2006 

www.InterNICHE.org 

Check out the Education Queensland website, search Animal Ethics. 

Page 16 of 25



APPENDIX A 

TOADS: INFORMATION 

Size: 15 cm Age at adult size: Variable 

Weight at birth: Most are egg laying Gestation period: Variable 

Litter size: Numerous eggs Range of breeding ages: Capable of 

breeding after metamorphosing 

NORMAL BEHAVIOUR 

'Normal' behaviour varies between individuals and can only be determined by daily 

observation. Once a 'normal’ behaviour pattern has been established, any deviations 

from this can be regarded with suspicion. Expert advice will need to be sought if any 

symptoms are detected. 

FOOD REQUIREMENTS 

Type: Most toads will feed only on living prey such as worms and insects. Dried fish 

food and/or boiled lettuce is ideal for tadpoles. 

Quantity: An adequate food supply for one or two toads can be caught by hand but 

larger numbers of toads may require food to be bred or caught using traps. Mealworms, 

blowflies, fruit flies and crickets are easy to breed. 

Tadpoles have to be given an excess; as lack of food may result in cannibalism. 

Essential dietary needs (variations): Toads require a variety of insects and 

invertebrates as monotonous diets can cause dietary deficiencies, eg too many meal 

worms. 

Water: The cage should be sprayed regularly with water eg fine garden spray gun, to 

ensure that both the cage and toads are always moist. A plastic, glass or earthenware 

dish should be sunk into the soil with its lip at ground level and water replaced as often 

as necessary to keep it fresh. 

ENVIRONMENT 

Space: Glass aquaria are ideal cages for toads. The space required depends on the 

size and number of toads. 

Cage environment: In general, the kind of environment set up should mirror the 

habitat of the species to be maintained. 

Temperature: Only tropical species require some extra warmth (best provided by a 

light globe). NOTE: Overheating will kill most. 

Light: Natural daylight (filtered) is adequate. 

Ventilation: Any (non-rusting) fly wire is ideal as a lid on a cage. This will provide 

adequate ventilation. 

Page 17 of 25



Shelter: Moistened but not wet 10 cm of sand, soil and leaf litter. Rocks, bark and 

hollow branches, plastic tubing, plastic matting and stainless steel boxes in which to 

hide may be useful. Plants, water plants and other vegetation can enrich the 

environment. 

Cleaning: The cage and water should be clean at all times. 

HANDLING 

Capture: A net is an ideal method for capture. 

Transporting: Toads must be secure at all times to prevent escape. Internally they 

may be moved using margarine or ice cream containers. 

General handling: Toads are best held in cupped hands and not squeezed. They 

should be handled as little as possible. Always wash hands after handling toads. Gloves 

may be worn when handling toads, however, hands should still be thoroughly washed 

after the activity. 

(Taken from Care and Use of Animals, Procedure Version 1.1 21, 2003 ) 

APPENDIX B 

Protocol for the collection and euthanasia of toads. 

1. Collect toads into plastic bags/containers with an air hole. 

Note, if plastic bags are to be used 

(i) the toads should be wrapped in a towel as this prevents the animals from 

coming into direct contact with a frozen surface and 

(ii) the bags must have air holes. 

2. Cool animals to 4 o 

C in a refrigerator until torpor is evident, usually 2-3 hours. 

3. Then freeze in a -20 o 

C freezer (conventional freezer) for at least three days. 

(Taken from Hyatt and Robinson, 2004.) 

PLEASE NOTE: Cane toads may be kept without a licence or permit. 

APPENDIX D 

The List of contact details of Education Queensland schools that undertake Science 

Courses is attached as a document. 

Page 18 of 25



APPENDIX C Suggested Letter to Parents/Carers 

Insert School Logo 

Attach an information sheet on collection, handling and 

euthanasia of toads. (Refer to Appendices A and B.) 

Dear Parent / Carer, 

Thank you for agreeing to assist in the collection and / or euthanasia of cane toads 

for............................................................................................ 

(insert details of class and activity) 

for the period .................................. to .................................................................. 

(commencing date) (end date). 

This letter is to advise you of your responsibilities. According to Queensland law, the Animal Care and 

Protection Act 2001, a person in charge of an animal has a duty of care to that animal and must take all 

reasonable steps to ensure that the animal’s needs are provided for as follows: 

1. Provision of food and water 

2. Provision of appropriate accommodation or living conditions 

3. Freedom to express normal behaviour 

4. Treatment of disease or injury 

5. Appropriate handling of the animal to avoid causing fear and distress. 

These provisions apply to all animals, including pest species such as toads. 

Prior to asking for your assistance in this activity the school must ensure that the animal will be 

responsibly cared for by a person competent to do so. Once the toads are captured it is your 

responsibility to ensure that these needs (based on the internationally recognised ‘Five Freedoms’ of 

animal welfare) are upheld as a matter of your duty of care obligation. 

Please ensure that you are provided with all necessary care information, equipment, food and other 

requirements prior to accepting duty of care responsibility for this activity. 

Should an after hours emergency arise (such as the need for veterinary care) during the time that you are 

caring for the animal please contact: 

............................................................................ on telephone number ................................ for advice. 

(Insert here the name and contact telephone number of school staff member, after hours veterinary clinic 

or experienced animal carer with which the school has made prior arrangements.) 

Please ensure that when the toad/s is/are taken to school they are safely and directly handed over to the 

class teacher or other staff member who is responsible for this activity. If the toads are to be euthanased, 

please follow the directions on the attached information sheets. 

To accept responsibility for the abovementioned animal, please sign and return to the school the section 

below. 

Yours faithfully 

.................................................................................................................................. 

(school principal) 

I,................................................................................. (insert name of parent/carer) 

agree to care for and follow the protocol below for the care and/or euthanasia of the cane toads for the 

period to ................................................................................... 

I have read and understood the above information and will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the 

five needs, as listed above, are provided to the animal for which I am in charge. 

........................................................... ..................................... 

(Parent/carer signature) (Date) 

Page 19 of 25



APPENDIX E 

QUEENSLAND SCHOOLS ANIMAL ETHICS COMMITTEE 

Approved Animal Use Activity Completion Report 

2010 

Once a copy of page 5, 1.6 Declaration of this Toad Dissection Application has been faxed to 

the Education Queensland Animal Ethics Officer, your school has approval from the 

Queensland Schools Animal Ethics Committee (QSAEC) to undertake: 

Toad Dissection with students from Years 8 to 10. 

As part of the QSAEC Application Approval requirements, YOUR SCHOOL MUST REPORT 

EACH YEAR to the QSAEC once the approved animal use activity has been completed. 

Simply fill in this form on completion of the approved Toad Dissection activity and email, fax or 

post it to: 

Animal Ethics Officer 

Education House 

PO Box 15033, CITY EAST Q 4002 


Fax: (07) 3235 4379 

When this Report is received by the Animal Ethics Officer it will be presented at the next QSAEC Meeting where it will 

be signed by the QSAEC Chairperson and filed. 

School Name: 

School Postal Address: 

Activity Leader’s Name: 

Position in this school: 

Phone: Fax: 

Email: 

Title of this Activity: Toad Dissection 

DPI&F Registration Number: 102 

Approved Activity Number: 02 / 2010 / EQ 

P/code 

Was Toad Dissection undertaken as part of your school’s Science program in 2010? 

With what Year Levels? 

YES NO 

Page 20 of 25



List the purposes of this Approved Toad Dissection Activity: 

Were the required aims of this activity achieved? YES NO 

If NO, briefly explain. 

Total number of toads used with this activity during 2010 in your school? 

What measures were taken to reduce the number of toads used in this activity? 

Were there any unforeseen or adverse impacts on the welfare and wellbeing of the animals 

during this activity? YES NO 

If YES, provide details. 

Can the results you have obtained from this toad dissection activity help replace animals, 

reduce the numbers used and / or refine procedures for similar activities. 

YES NO 

List any alternatives to using animals for this activity that you have found and are now using 

with your students. 

Principal’s Name: 

Principal’s Signature: 

Date: / / 


Activity Leader’s Signature: 

Date: / / 

QSAEC Chairperson’s Name: 

QSAEC Chairperson’s Signature: 

Date: / / 

Thank you for completing this Report. 

Page 21 of 25



APPENDIX F 



2011 













Fax: (07) 3235 4379 



School Name: 




Phone: Fax: 

Email: 



Approved Activity Number: 02 / 2010/ EQ 

P/code 

Was Toad Dissection undertaken as part of your school’s Science program in 2011? 


YES NO 

Page 22 of 25






Total number of toads used with this activity during 2011 in your school? 







YES NO 





Date: / / 



Date: / / 



Date: / / 


Page 23 of 25



APPENDIX G 



2012 













Fax: (07) 3235 4379 



School Name: 




Phone: Fax: 

Email: 



Approved Activity Number: 02 / 2010 / EQ 

P/code 

Was Toad Dissection undertaken as part of your school’s Science program in 2012? 


YES NO 

Page 24 of 25






Total number of toads used with this activity during 2012 in your school? 







YES NO 





Date: / / 



Date: / / 



Date: / / 


Page 25 of 25

Toad Dissection for Years 8 to 10 - Education Queensland

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