Animal Concerns
Who to Report Concerns to About Animal Use
The Western Carolina University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) investigates all concerns regarding the care, treatment, and use of animals for research at the University. Reports can be made to the following:
Jeremy Hyman, Ph.D., IACUC Co-Chair, 828-227-3657
Lynda Parlett, IACUC Co-Chair and Associate Dean for Research, 828-227-2921
Joe Bill Mathews, D.V.M., IACUC Veterinarian, 828-227-2827
Andrea Moshier, Research Compliance Officer, 828-227-2577
Angela Brenton, Ph.D., Provost and IACUC Institutional Official, 828-227-7495
Please submit your reports in writing, either by email or memo in order to ensure accuracy and facilitate the investigation. If possible, indicate times, dates, place and procedure of concern. The more specific information provided, the more effective is the IACUC evaluations. Reports can be made to any member of the IACUC.
How to Report Concerns about Animal Use
The IACUC intends for all aspects of animal care and use in research, teaching and testing to fully comply with applicable Federal animal welfare policies and regulations, with the standards of the Guide, and Institutional policies and guidelines. The WCU IACUC is responsible for monitoring all animal care and use activities for compliance with Federal mandates and standards, and with protocols and procedures approved by the IACUC for animal care and use.
The investigation of concerns about the animal care and use is an important function of the IACUC in assuring compliance with standards. WCU and the IACUC encourage reporting of concerns. It is WCU’s policy to prohibit discrimination or reprisal against anyone for reporting violations of standards or deviations from policies or approved protocols and procedures for animal care and use.
Procedure for Reporting Concerns:
· The IACUC investigates all concerns regarding the care, treatment, and use of animals for research at the University. Concerns may be reported to the IACUC Chair(s), the IACUC veterinarian, the Research Compliance Officer, the Institutional Official, or any member of the IACUC. There is a posting for PI labs where animal use occurs that provides name and contact information for such reporting. It is also on the IACUC website.
All reports must be made in writing, either by email or memo in order to ensure accuracy and facilitate investigation. If possible, indicate times, dates, place and procedures of concern. The more specific information provided, the more effective is the IACUC evaluation. Reports may be made anonymously.
Functions of the IACUC specified by the Federal Animal Welfare Act Regulations, 9 CFR Part 2, Subpart C include the "Review and, if warranted, investigate concerns involving the care and use of animals at the facility resulting from public complaints received and from reports of noncompliance received from laboratory or research facility personnel or employees". In addition, institutions are required to train personnel in the "methods whereby deficiencies in animal care and treatment are reported including deficiencies in animal care and treatment reported by any employee of the facility."
Reporting of External Concerns
· The IACUC, through the Institutional Official, shall promptly provide Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, with a full explanation of the circumstances and actions taken and any minority views from IACUC members, with respect to:
o Any serious or continuing noncompliance from the Animal Welfare Act;
o Any serious deviation from the Guide; or
o Any suspension of an activity by the IACUC