Animal Care and Use in Research and Education Policy
Purpose
The University of Dayton is committed to the highest ethical principals in the conduct of animal research. The purpose of this policy is to promote the humane care and use of live vertebrate animals in research and education and to adhere to applicable laws, principles, standards, guidelines, and policies affecting such care and use.
Scope
This policy applies to all University of Dayton faculty, staff, and students involved in research and educational activities conducted with live vertebrate animals without respect to species, funding or the source of funding.
Policy History
I. Effective Date: September 24, 2025
II. Approval: September 24, 2025
III. History:
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Approved in its original form: September 24, 2025
IV. Maintenance of Policy: Director of Research Compliance, Office of Academic Research
Policy
The University of Dayton (University) maintains an Animal Care and Use Program (Program) for the proper care and use of vertebrate animals in teaching and research activities conducted on behalf of the University. The Program will comply with the applicable provisions of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service (PHS) Policy, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a standing institutional review committee that functions as an agent of the University to review the Program for compliance with such applicable guidelines. The University also maintains an Animal Welfare Assurance approved by the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW).
All research and education involving vertebrate animals is subject to review by the IACUC or designee prior to project initiation and without respect to funding or the source of the funding. Research and teaching involving the use of animals is not authorized until appropriate approval has been obtained.
The IACUC oversees the research, testing, and teaching activities conducted by and at the University that have direct impact on the well-being of animals, including animal and veterinary care, animal care and use policies and procedures, personnel and program management and oversight, occupational health and safety, and animal facility design and management. The IACUC ensures that all vertebrate animal research and related instructional activities are performed in a safe, ethical, and legal manner as required by OLAW. The IACUC is supported by UD’s Office of Academic Research (OAR).
The IACUC is responsible for the assessment and oversight of the University’s Program components and facilities, and is committed to overseeing an animal care and use program that provides a humane and compliant environment for animals and supports the research and teaching programs of our faculty and students. Protocols describing animal use in detail must be submitted to and approved by the IACUC before animal use can begin. To fulfill its oversight responsibilities, the IACUC’s responsibility and authority includes, but is not limited to:
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Establishing protocol and amendment review processes as described by federal regulations and guidance;
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Reviewing and approving, requiring modifications to secure approval, or disapproving proposed animal use (i.e. protocol review) and significant changes to animal use;
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Developing procedures for the care and use of animals at the University;
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Conducting regular inspections of facilities and animal use areas;
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Reviewing the overall Program and assessing animal care and use;
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Establishing a mechanism for receipt and review of concerns involving the care and use of animals at the University;
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Suspending or terminating an activity not being conducted in accordance with the IACUC’s requirements or applicable provisions of the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide, or PHS Policy or that has been associated with unexpected serious harm to animals;
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Submitting semiannual reports of IACUC Program and facility evaluations and making other written recommendations to the University’s IO regarding any aspect of the Program, facilities, or personnel training;
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Overseeing and administering an occupational health and safety program for individuals involved in the Program, working in laboratory animal facilities or who have frequent or substantial contact with animals; and
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Verifying that IACUC activities are compliant with regulatory requirements and University policies.
The IACUC is comprised of at least five (5) members that meet specific criteria described in federal regulations, including an individual with scientific experience, a veterinarian with designated program responsibilities, a non-scientist, and a non-affiliated individual representing community interests. The Institutional Official (IO) for the IACUC is the Vice President for Academic Research.