Reporting animal care concerns

Guidelines from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

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

Requirements are codified in Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Guideline #2: Reporting an Animal Care Concern (pdf).

Confidentiality

An individual reporting a concern need not identify him/herself to make a report. If an individual chooses to identify him/herself, the individual’s identity will be as confidential as allowed by law.

To report or discuss a concern or perceived problem

During normal working hours

Contact any of the following:

The concern or problem situation reported to any of the above persons will be promptly reported to the IACUC chair and the campus veterinarian.

After hours, on weekends, or if there is immediate threat to an animal

Contact the campus veterinarian:
509-330-1871

The reported concern or problem situation will be promptly reported to the chairperson of the WSU IACUC.

Background

The federal Animal Welfare Act requires that Washington State University, as a registered research facility, ensure 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.

24-Hour Emergency