For any questions please send e-mail to: NDSU.Policy.Manual@ndsu.edu

SECTION 346: ANIMAL WELFARE

SOURCE: NDSU President

North Dakota State University is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the humane care and use of live vertebrate animals utilized for research, teaching, testing, and/or exhibition purposes conducted at NDSU or by NDSU personnel.

The University's animal care and use policies are administered by the Institutional Official, who is appointed by the NDSU President. An Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) has been appointed to oversee the University's animal care program. The IACUC is responsible for review and approval of protocols concerning animals, inspection of animal facilities, and reporting to appropriate government agencies.

Examples of activities that require prior IACUC approval include but are not limited to the following:

1. activities utilizing live vertebrate animals owned by NDSU or housed at NDSU facilities, including off-campus facilities such as the Research Extension Centers.
   
2. activities involving live vertebrate animals that are conducted by faculty, students, staff or other representatives of NDSU, regardless of funding source.
   

Specific guidance regarding animal-related activities and the need for IACUC approval can be obtained from the IACUC office.

Principal Investigators and other personnel working on animal-related activities are required to complete IACUC training before submitting a new protocol for review by the IACUC.

Any individual may report a concern involving the care and use of animals for which North Dakota State University is responsible. Any IACUC official or member will receive animal-welfare-related concerns, questions, or complaints, which then will be reviewed by the committee. Reports received by other University personnel must be forwarded immediately to the IACUC office. The individual presenting the concern is assured freedom from recrimination, coercion, or reprisal. After committee review, responsible officials will take necessary corrective actions and report committee findings to appropriate regulatory agencies if warranted.

Detailed policies and procedures governing the care and use of vertebrate animals are described in the handbook The Care and Use of Vertebrate Animals at NDSU. They also may be viewed electronically at http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/research/iacuc/index and are available in hardcopy from the IACUC office.

HISTORY: Amended April 1992; October 1997; May 2001, September 2003, February 2006.