PROTECTION OF ANIMAL SUBJECTS IN RESEARCH
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO
(Approved by the Chancellor, April 12, 1983)
(Revised May 2, 1989)(Revised October 4, 2007)
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) is committed to the responsible and humane treatment of animals used in programs at or conducted in collaboration with the university.
First and foremost, and in accordance with U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training, the university ensures that all of its animal activities are designed and performed “with due consideration of their relevance to human or animal health, the advancement of knowledge, or the good of society”.
In compliance with Public Health Service ( PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Animal Welfare Act and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, the UNCG Chancellor has delegated the authority of Institutional Official (IO) for the responsible and humane treatment of animals to the Associate Provost for Research and Public / Private Sector Partnerships . As such, the IO is authorized to legally commit on the university’s behalf that UNCG complies with the PHS Policy and all applicable federal research animal welfare laws and regulations. The IO has the administrative authority to promulgate, implement and enforce policies as well as the financial authority to approve necessary funding if required to meet the needs of the animal care and use program. The IO is empowered with the direct oversight of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Program and establishes a clearly defined chain of authority necessary to ensure compliance.
The Associate Provost for Research and Public / Private Sector Partnerships will appoint an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to monitor and approve all aspects of the university’s animal care and use program including all animal research, testing, and teaching activities prior to their initiation. In keeping with their responsibilities, the UNCG IACUC ensures, at a minimum,
the use of animals is justified;
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the animal species is the most appropriate for the given animal research, testing, or teaching activity;
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the number of animals is the minimum necessary to achieve objectives;
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alternatives that replace animal use with non-animal alternatives, reduce the number of animals and/or refine procedures to ensure the prevention or minimization of pain and distress are used, if and when available;
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the living conditions are appropriate for the animal species and contribute to their health, comfort and well-being;
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animal care activities are directed by a veterinarian or other trained and qualified individuals;
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medical care for the animals is available and provided as necessary by a veterinarian;
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IACUC members, animal care personnel and individuals using animals in research, testing and teaching activities are appropriately trained and qualified;
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individuals that are directly or indirectly exposed to animals or their products are enrolled in an appropriate occupational health and safety program;
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an animal facility emergency/disaster plan is in place; and
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a mechanism for voicing animal welfare concerns is established.
The Office of Research Compliance in collaboration with the IACUC has adopted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to help implement this policy. These procedures address various aspects of the animal care and use program including, but not limited to, the mechanisms for ensuring regulatory compliance, the steps necessary to apply for approval to use animals, guidelines for conducting specific activities where animals used, and procedures for managing and caring for research / teaching animal colonies. All IACUC members and animal care and use personnel are expected to familiarize themselves and comply with these SOPs.
The use of animals is considered a privilege and not a right. All animal care and use personnel including IACUC members, veterinary and animal care staff and animal users share the responsibility of ensuring responsible animal care and use. Failure to comply with UNCG’s established mechanisms for providing humane animal care and use is a serious violation that will be considered grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.