Procedures for Reporting Concerns About the Care and Use of Animals

Washington State University will immediately investigate any allegations of suspected misuse of animals or deficiencies regarding the care and use of research or teaching animals.

An individual reporting a suspected deficiency need not identify him/herself to make a report. If an individual chooses to identify him/herself, the individual's identity will be kept in strictest confidence.

To make a report or discuss a concern or perceived problem, contact: 

• The Chairperson of the WSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee or any Committee Member. The names of these individuals can also be found in the WSU COMMITTEE MANUAL for the current year, under the heading PRESIDENT'S STANDING COMMITTEES, INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE. Phone numbers for individual Committee member's can subsequently by located in the WSU phone directory. A current list of WSU-IACUC members may be obtained by calling the WSU IACUC office at (509) 335-9661.
• The Campus Veterinarian serves as the Attending Veterinarian for WSU, may also be contacted at (509) 335-6246. The reported deficiency or problem situation will be promptly reported to the Chairperson of the WSU-IACUC.

• The Vice Provost for Research may also be contacted at (509) 335-9141. The reported deficiency or problem situation will subsequently be reported to the Chairperson of the WSU-IACUC and/or the Campus Veterinarian.

Background:

The federal Animal Welfare Act requires that Washington State University, as a registered research facility, ensures that all scientists, research technicians, animal technicians and other personnel involved in animal care, treatment, and use are qualified to perform their duties.

As part of this responsibility, the law states that Washington State University is required to instruct personnel on "Methods whereby deficiencies in animal care and treatment are reported, including deficiencies in animal care and treatment reported by any employee of the facility" (this would include all WSU employees and students). The law further states that "No facility employee, Committee member, or laboratory personnel shall be discriminated against or be subject to any reprisal for reporting violations of any regulation or standards under the Act".

The WSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is charged with the responsibility of investigating complaints of misuse of animals used in instruction and research.