ANIMAL CARE AND USE

SECTION I. SCOPE.

This policy governs University of Minnesota (University) research, teaching, and service activities involving animals when conducted by University faculty, staff, or students or when using University facilities or equipment.

SECTION II. COMMITMENT.

The Board of Regents (Board) of the University affirms the appropriate use of animals in research, teaching, and service activities and is committed to the highest standards for their humane care and use. The president shall support and protect the officially sanctioned use of animals covered pursuant to this policy.

SECTION III. GUIDING PRINCIPLES.

In performing their duties, University faculty, staff, and students shall adhere to the following recognized principles:

(a) procedures involving animals shall be designed and performed with due consideration for their relevance to human or animal health, the advancement of knowledge, or the good of society; and

(b) the proper use of animals requires avoidance or minimization of discomfort, distress, and pain.

SECTION IV. DEFINITIONS.

Subd. 1. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) shall mean the committee established by the president or delegate in accordance with federal regulations to review University protocols, animal facilities, and uses of animals.

Subd. 2. Institutional Official. Institutional official shall mean the individual appointed by the president to oversee all aspects of the University’s animal care and use programs.

Subd. 3. Research Animal Resources. Research Animal Resources (RAR) shall mean the program established by the president or delegate to provide veterinary services and support for activities covered under this policy.

SECTION V. COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE LAW.

Subd. 1. Federal and University Responsibilities. As required by federal law, the president or delegate shall appoint an IACUC to ensure that activities covered under this policy meet federal requirements. The president or delegate is responsible for overseeing the IACUC. University officials may not approve an activity covered under this policy if it has not been approved by the IACUC. Activities approved by the IACUC nevertheless may be subject to further review and approval by University officials.

Subd. 2. Regulatory Compliance. All activities covered by this policy must comply with applicable federal and state regulations and guidelines, including, but not limited to, the Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the National Research Council Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the federal Animal Welfare Act, United States Department of Agriculture regulations, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals.

SECTION VI. UNIVERSITY COMPLIANCE PROVISIONS.

Subd. 1. President. The president shall:

(a) ensure that activities covered under this policy meet federal requirements; and

(b) oversee the institutional official.

Subd. 2. Institutional Official. The institutional official shall:

(a) ensure compliance with applicable laws, guidelines, and policies;

(b) appoint IACUC members, in consultation with the administrative staff of the IACUC;

(c) perform all necessary reporting requirements;

(d) report to the appropriate federal governmental and University officials any serious or continuing noncompliance with applicable laws and policies and any corrective action taken; and

(e) consult with the Office of the General Counsel in carrying out these responsibilities as appropriate.

Subd. 3. RAR. The veterinary services and support provided by RAR shall include: quality husbandry programs;

Subd. 4. IACUC. The IACUC has the authority to:

(a) gain access to all facilities used for the care and research of animals;

(b) obtain University records and other relevant information related to the use of animals; and

(c) take any actions, including suspending an activity, that are in its judgment necessary to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, or University policies and procedures.

Subd. 5. IACUC Responsibilities. The IACUC shall use this authority to:

(a) review and approve, require modifications to, or withhold approval of all University activities involving animals prior to the start of the activity;

(b) conduct semi-annual inspections of facilities where animals are being used;

(c) conduct semi-annual evaluations of the Universityís animal care and use program;

(d) conduct continuing review of previously approved activities at least once per year;

(e) review and investigate complaints of noncompliance; and

(f) promptly report to the institutional official:

(1) any alleged serious or continuing noncompliance with federal or state laws or University policies or procedures; and

(2) any corrective actions taken in response to noncompliance.

Subd. 6. University Faculty, Staff, and Students. University faculty, staff, and students involved in the care and use of animals shall:

(a) be appropriately qualified or supervised for conducting
procedures on animals;

(b) participate in training and receive periodic certification of
training;

(c) enroll and participate in an occupational health program; and

(d) abide by and carry out the decisions of the IACUC.

SECTION VII. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES.

The IACUC, with responsible oversight by the president or delegate, shall maintain appropriate administrative policies and procedures to implement this policy.