REASON FOR POLICY

The University of Connecticut regards the use of animals in research, teaching, and testing to be an integral component of continued progress in science, education, and agriculture. The University expects all of its animal facilities and programs to maintain high ethical standards for animal care and use, and to be operated in accordance with applicable legal requirements. This policy outlines the principles that govern the humane conduct of animal-based activities, ensures legal compliance and establishes roles and responsibilities of those individuals who are involved in the care and use of animals in research, teaching and testing.

APPLIES TO

All University faculty, employees, students, postdoctoral fellows, residents and other trainees, agents and visitors involved in the care and use of animals for research, teaching or testing at the University.

DEFINITIONS

Animal: Any live vertebrate animal, or any other animal designated by applicable law, used or intended for use in basic or applied scientific investigations (e.g., traditional biomedical, agricultural, wildlife, or aquatic research), testing, the production of biological materials, or educational activities.

Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP): The animal care and use program refers to all the components that exist in support of the University’s activities involving animals. These components include facilities, employees, researchers, policies and procedures, equipment and animals.

Attending Veterinarian (AV): The attending veterinarian is the individual with primary authority to execute the duties inherent in assuring the adequacy of veterinary care and overseeing other aspects of animal care and use, including quarantine, stabilization, clinical care and management, husbandry  and disease surveillance.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC): The IACUC is appointed by the President of the University or his or her designee, and derives its authority from the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Animal Welfare Act and the Health Research Extension Act. The IACUC is qualified through the experience and expertise of its members to oversee the University’s animal program, facilities, and procedures in accordance with the applicable legal requirements.

Institutional Official (IO): The President of the University appoints the institutional official. The IACUC reports to the IO, who has the administrative and operational authority to commit institutional resources to ensure compliance with legal requirements which govern the University’s ACUP.

POLICY STATEMENT

1. 1. The IO is delegated the authority to develop policies and procedures, and to implement a program for care and use of animals in research, teaching and testing that is compliant with applicable legal requirements.
   2. The IACUC shall have the responsibility to review and the authority to approve, require modifications to secure approval, or withhold approval of, all research involving animal subjects conducted by the University or anyone using University facilities, in accordance with policies and procedures established for this purpose.
   3. The IACUC, or its staff acting on behalf of the IACUC, has the authority to inspect research facilities and obtain records and other relevant information relating to projects it has approved. The IACUC may suspend or terminate approval of projects it has approved and take actions that it deems necessary to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements and University policies or which have been associated with unexpected serious harm to subjects.
   4. No individual or University committee may approve a project involving the use of animals for research, teaching or testing that has not been reviewed and approved by the IACUC.
   5. IACUC approval must be received before the use of animals for research, teaching or testing can commence.
   6. The AV has the authority to ensure the provision of adequate veterinary care. This includes the authority to implement animal treatment or euthanasia of research animals. While all efforts shall be made to contact the responsible research staff member prior to any action, it may be necessary to act prior to contact.
   7. The transportation, care and use of animals should be in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act and other applicable legal requirements.
   8. Procedures involving animals should be designed and administered with consideration of their relevance to human or animal health, the advancement of knowledge, and the good to society.
   9. The animals selected for a procedure should be of an appropriate species and quality and the minimum number required to obtain valid results. Methods such as mathematical models, computer simulation and in vitro biological systems should be should be considered.
   10. Proper use of animals, including the avoidance or minimization of discomfort, distress and pain, when consistent with sound scientific practices, is imperative. Unless it can be established otherwise, investigators should consider that procedures that cause pain or distress in human beings may cause pain or distress in other animals.
   11. Procedures with animals that may cause more than momentary or slight pain or distress should be performed with appropriate sedation, analgesia or anesthesia, unless the IACUC has approved a scientifically justified exception.
   12. Humane endpoints should be established.
   13. The living conditions of animals should be appropriate for their species and contribute to their health and comfort. The housing, feeding and care of animals used for biomedical or agricultural purposes must be directed by a veterinarian or other scientist, trained and experienced in the proper care, handling and use of the species being maintained or studied.
   14. Investigators and other personnel will be appropriately qualified and experienced for conducting procedures on animals. Adequate arrangements will be made for their in-service training, including proper and humane care and use of laboratory animals.
   15. IACUC approval of exceptions to any standard protocols requires compelling scientific justification and should not be made solely for the purposes of convenience, teaching or demonstration.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, the University of Connecticut Student Code, and other relevant University Policies.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Animal Welfare Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. §§2131 et seq.)

Animal Welfare Standards (9 CFR parts 1, 2 and 3)

Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (HHS & NIH)

United States Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Research Council)

POLICY HISTORY

Revisions: 05/25/2018 (Approved by President’s Cabinet); 12/17/2014 (Approved by IACUC)

Reviewed: 02/16/2011