Handbook of Operating Procedures 7-1310

Animals Used in Research, Teaching, and Testing Activities



Effective December 12, 2013
Executive Sponsor: Vice President for Research
Policy Owner: Director, Office of Research Support & Compliance


 

  1. Policy Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Austin (University) to assure the care and use of animals for University research, teaching, and testing activities is done in accordance with applicable federal and state laws or regulations. This encompasses those activities conducted in University facilities or on the University's behalf by faculty, staff, or students. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, up to and including, loss of privileges in the use of animals in those activities.
 

  1. Reason for Policy

To comply with relevant laws, regulations and guidelines governing the humane care of animals used in research, teaching, and testing activities.
 

  1. Scope & Audience

This policy applies to all employees, students, and University affiliates who use animals for research, teaching, or testing activities occurring in University facilities or other locations when those projects involve University funding, faculty scholarship, or staff/student effort on behalf of the University.
 

  1. Definitions (specific to this policy)

Animal:

any live or dead vertebrate animal used or intended for use in biomedical or behavioral research, research training, teaching, or testing.

De Novo Review:

a review of activities as if it were the first time reviewed.

Attending Veterinarian:

the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) attending veterinarian with direct or delegated program responsibility who has training and experience in laboratory animal science and medicine, or in the care of species used.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC):

a committee appointed by the University institutional official charged with providing local review and oversight of research and other scholarly activities utilizing animals.

Investigator:

A tenured, tenure track, research faculty member, or any other individual determined by the IACUC to be qualified with assigned research space at the University responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of the research or educational activity proposed for funding.
 

  1. Website (for policy)

https://secure4.compliancebridge.com/utexas/public/getdoc.ph?file=7-1310

 
  1. Contacts

CONTACT

DETAILS

WEB

 

Office of Research Support & Compliance

 

Phone: 512-471-8871

Website:

 https://research.utexas.edu/ors//

 
  1. Responsibilities & Procedures
    1. Institutional Official (IO)

 

The vice president for research is the institutional official (IO) responsible for ensuring activities using animals at the University are humane and in compliance with all applicable external regulations. The IO is responsible for establishing and enforcing relevant University policies and procedures, including but not limited to:

 

The IO is granted the following authorities (list may not be all-inclusive):

 

  1. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
 

The IACUC reports to the IO and is charged with the responsibility for the general oversight, evaluation, and assurance of compliance with the University's animal care and use program.

 

The IACUC's scope of responsibility includes (list may not be all-inclusive):

 

  1. Attending Veterinarian

 

The attending veterinarian has specific oversight authority involving animals used for research, teaching, and testing activities at the University. This authority is complementary to the IACUC. Investigators are encouraged to call upon the attending veterinarian or other Animal Resources Center (ARC) veterinary staff for guidance in protocol development and consultation on experimental procedures.

 

The attending veterinarian will:

 

  1. Animal Resources Center (ARC)
 

Under the direction of the attending veterinarian, the ARC's scope of responsibility includes (list may not be all-inclusive):

 

  1. Investigator Responsibilities

 

A significant burden of responsibility rests with an investigator for the proper use of animals in research, teaching, and testing.

 

  1. With respect to this policy, the investigator is responsible for (list may not be all-inclusive):

 

  1. Additionally, the principal investigator on each grant or contract is responsible for ensuring all researchers on the project are aware of and comply with all applicable University animal care and use policies.

 

  1. Required Procedures

 

Investigators using animals must follow specific policies and procedures delineated on the IACUC web page entitled "Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines" found at http://www.utexas.edu /research/rsc/iacuc/policies_index.html

 

  1. Forms & Tools

eProtocol IACUC (electronic protocol submission system)

Animal Care and Use Program website

 

  1. Frequently Asked Questions


 

  1. Related Information

 Animal Welfare Act

 

 Animal Welfare Regulations

 

U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing,  Research and Training

 

 Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

 

 Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
 

  1. History

Reviewed with editorial updates:
      August 10, 2023       
     September 12, 2018
Next scheduled review: September 2026


 

Previously HOP 11.B.3