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Initially
approved June 3, 1994
Updated
October 29, 2004
POLICY
STATEMENT #101
LABORATORY
ANIMALS USED FOR TEACHING AND RESEARCH
Laboratory
animals occupy an essential role in the education and
research efforts of The University of North Carolina
at Charlotte. The University recognizes and accepts
its legal and ethical obligations for the humane treatment
of animals used in its classrooms and laboratories.
The
study of the biology and behavior of animals is central
to the educational mission of the University. An essential
component of education in biology and behavioral sciences
is direct experience with live and preserved animals.
Models and other visual aids can complement, but not
completely replace, the knowledge gained from using
living animals and preserved animal material. Students
enrolled in many curricula at the University are required
to take courses in which animals are handled and cared
for, or in which animals, organs, or tissues are dissected
or used in biochemical procedures. Faculty responsible
for these teaching activities are expected to comply
with federal and state regulations concerning the care
and use of animals and to be sensitive to the concerns
of individual students regarding such care and use.
Likewise,
the use of live and preserved animals is central to
the research mission of the University. Thousands of
persons who have suffered from debilitating disease
owe their health and lives to research involving laboratory
animals. The use of laboratory animals has been, and
continues to be, a fundamental element for many kinds
of scientific research, and is indispensable to the
advancement of scientific knowledge.
Because
the University is committed to the humane care and use
of animals in research, animals will be used only when
no other appropriate research means are available, and
when every effort has been made to minimize research
animal pain and discomfort. The number of animals used
for a research project will be the minimum number necessary
to produce scientifically valid results, and, where
possible, animal research will be replaced by alternative
methods.
To
meet its ethical and legal obligations to assure the
humane care and use of animals, the University has established
an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
The committee is composed of University faculty members,
a veterinarian, a member who is not a scientist, and
a community representative not otherwise affiliated
with the University. The IACUC, appointed by the Vice
Chancellor for Research and Federal Relations, is responsible
for:
1. Monitoring
the University's laboratory animal care and use programs
for compliance with the University's legal and ethical
obligations.
2. Reviewing
all research protocols proposing the use of laboratory
animals for compliance with Federal law and regulations,
including the number of animals to be used and their
humane use.
3. Providing
for the continuing education of faculty and staff involved
with animal care and use.
4. Inspecting,
semi-annually, all animal facilities to ensure that
they are in compliance with Federal standards.
The
IACUC is recognized as the principal point of communication
about laboratory animal care and use issues for The
University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
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