Research and Teaching Involving Animal Subjects (I.C.2)

Volume I: Academic and Research Affairs
Chapter C: Safety
Responsible Executive: Executive Vice President for Research
Responsible Office: Office of the EVPR, Regulatory Affairs
Date Issued: May 1, 2021
Date Last Revised: N/A

Contacts
Statement of Policy
Reason for This Policy
Individuals and Entities Affected
Exclusions
Responsibilities
Definitions (defined terms are capitalized throughout the document)
Related Documents, Forms and Tools
Website Address for This Policy
History and Updates
Appendix

Contacts

Policy Clarification

Associate Vice President for Research, Regulatory Affairs
765-496-3824 | Vertebrate Animal Use website

Report Concerns about Animal Care and Use

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
765-494-7206 | pacuc@purdue.edu

University Hotline
866-818-2620 | purdue.edu/hotline

Statement of Policy

The use of vertebrate animals in Research, teaching, outreach and other activities performed by or on behalf of Purdue University must be guided by the highest ethical standards and adhere to applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The tenets of replacement, reduction and refinement must be upheld at all times during the design and conduct of Research and teaching involving live vertebrate animals. Animals should be used only when non-animal alternatives do not work, and when animals are used, the activity should involve the smallest number possible under the most humane conditions.

Purdue University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Laboratory Animal Program (LAP) implement measures to cultivate Purdue’s commitment to protect live vertebrate animals in all activities conducted under the auspices of the University. IACUC, in consultation with the LAP, establishes policies and guidelines to promote compliance with regulatory requirements. These policies and guidelines cover various aspects of animal use and care, including, but not limited to, purchase and transport of animals; food, water and shelter requirements for specific types of animals; training requirements for faculty, staff and students handling animals; project monitoring; and documentation and records management. IACUC and LAP guide the University’s efforts to ensure the following:

Vertebrate animals involved in any university Research, teaching or other activities receive humane care and treatment.
Research, teaching, outreach and other university activities involving the use of live animals are performed in an ethical manner, designed to minimize pain and distress, and comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Research, teaching and other activities involving live animals are conducted in IACUC-approved environments.
Concerns regarding the care and use of live vertebrate animals at the University are addressed in a professional and responsible manner.

Review and approval by IACUC is required prior to the actual involvement of a live vertebrate animal in any university Research or teaching activity, including educational programs and demonstrations for the public. Faculty and staff overseeing IACUC-approved Research or teaching activities that are ongoing must follow requirements for approval renewals and protocol updates. IACUC has the authority to suspend or terminate approval of projects and programs that do not adhere to applicable requirements for the use and care of vertebrate animals.

IACUC and LAP work together to conduct inspections and investigate areas of concern. University community members are encouraged to report concerns regarding the proper care and use of live vertebrate animals in a University project.

Violations of this policy or of the policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines set forth by IACUC may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or expulsion.

Reason for This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to promote the highest ethical standards for the treatment of live vertebrate animals in Research and teaching and other university activities. This policy also establishes the framework under which the University complies with federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the care and use of vertebrate animals.

Individuals and Entities affected by This Policy

All faculty, staff, students and other individuals who propose or are engaged in Research under the auspices of Purdue University.
All faculty, staff, students and other instructors who teach under the auspices of Purdue University.
All faculty, staff and students otherwise involved in the handling or care of live vertebrate animals owned by the University.
All staff of IACUC and LAP.

Exclusions

IACUC does not review Research or teaching activities that are not conducted under the auspices of Purdue University (e.g., those referenced in the policy on Conflicts of Commitment and Reportable Outside Activities (III.B.1) or other consulting, professional, or business activities). IACUC also does not review services provided to client-owned animals that present to the veterinary teaching hospital.

This policy does not address the use of dead vertebrate animals, parts or tissues. The Institutional Biosafety Committee, identified in the policy on Environmental Health and Safety Compliance (IV.A.4), provides oversight for the safe handling of biological materials.

Responsibilities

Associate Vice President for Research, Regulatory Affairs

Serve as the Institutional Official.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

Review proposed Research, teaching and outreach programs and projects to obtain group decision on ensuring the welfare of vertebrate animals, and approve or disapprove the Research in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and granting agency requirements.
Review standard operating procedures for the care of animals owned by the University that are not used in Research or teaching, and approve or disapprove in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Conduct periodic review of approved Research and instruction programs and projects to ensure animal care and use is in accordance with protocols.
Keep abreast of all granting agency rules and regulations involving vertebrate animal care and use.
Provide training to faculty, staff and students on documenting and maintaining regulatory compliance as it relates to vertebrate animal care and use.
Conduct periodic review of facilities where Research or teaching with vertebrate animals is conducted and identify any deficiencies; if corrective action is necessary, follow up and document.
Review plans for animal facilities in new buildings and for renovations or remodeling of existing animal facilities, and approve or recommend changes to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Report, at least semi-annually, to the EVPRP via the Institutional Official, and make recommendations concerning University practices that will meet the requirements of laws and regulations related to the humane care and use of vertebrate animals.
Receive reports of concern regarding the welfare of vertebrate animals, and coordinate with LAP as necessary to assess and remedy the issue.

Laboratory Animal Program (LAP)

Ensure that appropriate veterinary care is provided to vertebrate animals used in Research and teaching.
Provide training to faculty, staff and students on animal-specific procedures.
Conduct periodic review of vertebrate animal housing, environments and husbandry practices to identify any deficiencies, and take steps to ensure corrective action is implemented and document its completion.
Regularly visit facilities where Research or teaching with vertebrate animals is conducted and gather follow-up information for IACUC from facility supervisors.
Assist IACUC, as necessary, to assess reports of concern and remedy issues.

Faculty, Staff, Students and Others Conducting Purdue Research and/or Teaching

Comply with laws, regulations, university policies, and IACUC policies and guidance that regulate the care and use of live vertebrate animals.
Complete LAP training on animal-specific procedures.
Adhere to professional and ethical standards that promote humane use and care of animals in Research and teaching.
Follow IACUC procedures for initial submission and approval of proposals, continuing review, amendments to the program or project, and reporting of unanticipated problems and concerns.
Maintain current documentation of all IACUC approved protocols and procedures. Upon request, provide documentation of training and occupational health compliance.

Definitions

All defined terms are capitalized throughout the document. Refer to the central Policy Glossary for additional defined terms.

Institutional Official
The senior administrator who bears overall responsibility for the University’s animal care and use program, including resource planning, alignment of the program’s goals with the University’s mission, continuance of AAALAC International accreditation, and ensuring compliance with the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 and policies promulgated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Research
A systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.

Website Address for This Policy

www.purdue.edu/vpec/policies/academic-research-affairs/ic2

History and Updates

May 1, 2021: This policy supersedes Executive Memorandum No. B-1 dated June 20, 1986.

Appendix

There are no appendices to this policy.