Re: Duties and Responsibilities of the Purdue University Animal Care and Use Committee (PACUC)

Executive Memorandum No. B-1, July 1, 1971, established the University Committee on Animal Care. The major responsibility of the Committee was to ensure the humane care of laboratory animals. Advances in the field of animal experimentation and recently issued Federal policies and regulations require that attention be directed not only to the care but also to the use of laboratory animals in research, testing, and teaching.

The Purdue Animal Care and Use Committee (PACUC) consists of members representing the major animal use areas of the University as well as other members mandated by law. PACUC members are appointed annually by the President upon the recommendation of the Vice President for Research, in consultation with the various Deans. The chairman will be appointed in a similar manner. The chairman will preside at the regular meetings of the PACUC, assure timely reviews of all animal use protocols, file an annual report with the Vice President for Research, as well as other designated functions.

University laboratory animals are vertebrate animals that are housed, cared for and used in any of Purdue University's schools, departments or other units and are used or intended for use in teaching, testing or research.

The University Laboratory Animal Veterinarian is a veterinarian trained in laboratory animal medicine who is responsible for the daily conduct of the Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program at Purdue University and its regional campuses. The individual will report directly to the Vice President for Research but will receive direction from the PACUC on policies and procedures and be responsible to the Committee for the enforcement of designated policies and procedures.

Effective immediately, and continuing until further notice, the duties and responsibilities of the PACUC are as follows:

1. Review and approve or disapprove the animal care and use procedures in all research, testing, and teaching activities that utilize University laboratory animals. The review shall confirm that the activity will be conducted in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act and that the activity is consistent with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (N.I.H. Publication No. 85Ä23 or succeeding revised editions) unless acceptable justification for a departure is presented. The PACUC shall determine that the activity conforms to Purdue University's Assurance to N.I.H. and meets the following requirements:
   
   
   1. Procedures with animals will avoid or minimize discomfort, distress and pain to the animals, consistent with sound research design.
      
      
   2. Procedures that may cause more than momentary or slight pain or distress to the animals will be performed with appropriate sedation, analgesia or anesthesia, unless the procedure is justified for scientific reasons in writing by the investigator.
      
      
   3. Animals that would otherwise experience severe or chronic pain or distress that cannot be relieved will be euthanatized at the end of the procedure or, if appropriate, during the procedure.
      
      
   4. The living conditions of animals will be appropriate for their species and contribute to their health and comfort. The assurance of proper housing, feeding and nonmedical care of the University laboratory animals will be the responsibility of the University Laboratory Animal Veterinarian or delegated representative trained and experienced in the proper care, handling and use of the species being maintained or studied.
      
      
   5. Medical care for University laboratory animals will be available and provided as necessary by a qualified veterinarian.
      
      
   6. Personnel conducting procedures on the species being maintained or studied will be appropriately qualified and trained in those procedures.
      
      
   7. Methods of euthanasia used will be consistent with the recommendations of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Panel on Euthanasia unless a deviation is justified for scientific reasons in writing by the investigator.

      PACUC shall make available a document on "Procedures to obtain Approval of Grants or Contract Applications and Testing and Teaching Protocols for the Use of Vertebrate Laboratory Animals".

2. Suspend activities involving University laboratory animals if such activities are not in accordance with applicable provisions of the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (N.I.H. Publication No. 85-23 or succeeding revised editions), Purdue University's Assurance to N.I.H. and Purdue University's regulations.
   
   
3. Update as required or mandated, guidelines for housing, care and use of University laboratory animals.
   
   
4. Assist the staff responsible for each University animal facility in outlining and updating specific guidelines for animal care and use in that facility. These guidelines shall be in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (N.I.H. Publication No 85-23 or succeeding revised editions), Purdue University's Assurance to N.I.H. and Purdue University regulations.
   
   
5. Provide for training in animal welfare of University personnel involved in the care and use of University laboratory animals.
   
   
6. Inspect, as required or requested, all University laboratory animal facilities and study areas.
   
   
7. Ascertain that all University animal facilities comply with current Federal regulations, policies and guidelines and any special University regulations relating to the safety and health of both humans and animals involved with such facilities.
   
   
8. Review and approve plans for animal facilities in new buildings or for renovations or remodeling of existing University animal facilities. It is the responsibility of the Director of Facilities Planning to obtain clearance from the PACUC before the estimate will be released to the requesting department.
   
   
9. Prepare and disseminate information involving the housing, care or use as well as new regulations or procedures pertaining to University laboratory animals.
   
   
10. Be cognizant of all Federal, State or University guides, laws and regulations related to the humane care and use of University laboratory animals.
    
    
11. Report as necessary, but at least annually, to the Vice President for Research, and make recommendations concerning University practices that will meet the requirements as described in 10 above.
    
    
12. Maintain records of activities, actions and decisions of the Purdue Animal Care and Use Committee.
    
    
13. Assist in the prospective planning of Purdue's Laboratory Animal Program and Facilities.

This Executive memorandum shall apply to all of the Purdue campuses.

Steven C. Beering
President