About
This policy for the care and use of animals in scientific research underscores the commitment to assure the humane treatment of all animals used in research at IAU. We recognize the obligations associated with using other species of living creatures for the purpose of improving the wellbeing of humankind and have developed this policy and its associated guidelines, rules and regulations with that responsibility in mind. Although only rodents and rabbits are currently used for research purposes at IAU, we have developed this policy with the knowledge and inclusiveness that it can be adopted for use with other species as well. As described in the policy, we also are committed to the three “R’s” when using animals for research, which are:
- Restricting animal use in research to circumstances when the objectives of the research otherwise cannot be realized;
- Reduction of the number of animals used in protocols to the minimum required to achieve the aims of the research project; and,
- Refinement of research protocols to minimize pain and stress in animals used in research.
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is tasked to see that these rules are followed in all protocols using animals for scientific research at IAU. We have used internationally accepted guidelines in the development of this policy with the explicit desire to ultimately achieve international accreditation for our programs for care and use of animals in scientific research. Further, the detailed nature of this policy is designed to provide the IACUC, investigator, and the animal care personnel (veterinarian and staff) with the detailed guidelines for compliance with such accrediting agencies. The associated training program attached to this policy will also enhance general knowledge and assure the ethical conduct of all aspects of our animal research program.
