The Federal Mandate to IACUC

The composition and responsibilities of the IACUC are mandated by the Animal Welfare Act (Public Law 89-544).

To appropriately address animal care and use in the LLU community, the LLU IACUC is composed of 11 voting members and 4 permanent invitees. The composition of the IACUC membership is specified by law to include, at minimum:

  • A chairperson
  • Veterinarian with training or experience in laboratory animal medicine
  • A non-affiliated member

IACUC may utilize consultants, when required, for specific protocol review or committee advice. The consultant may offer opinions and advice but may not vote on any application or use.

Responsibilities of the IACUC:

  • Ensure that all animals in experimental research are used appropriately and are treated in accordance with the highest standards of humane care
  • Provide training for researchers and their staff and assist researchers with meeting the expectations of the IACUC
  • Be aware of changes in animal use legislation and guidelines and recommend modifications to the institution's program
  • Inspect, at least once every six months, the research institution's animal facilities, including animal study areas, and the entire animal program
  • Investigate and review concerns with animal use activities
  • Conduct a thorough and comprehensive review of all new applications and amendments to existing protocols to ensure that:
    • All procedures involving animals will avoid or minimize pain and distress to the animal(s)
    • The principal investigator has considered alternatives to procedures that may cause more than momentary pain or distress to the animals
    • The principal investigator has provided written assurance that the protocol proposed does not unnecessarily duplicate previous experiments
    • Appropriate anesthetics and analgesics are used when necessary
    • Personnel are properly trained to perform the proposed procedures
    • Activities that involve surgery provide for appropriate pre-operative and post-operative care and aseptic practices are followed
    • Methods of euthanasia are consistent with methods set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2013 Edition.
  • Make a written report of findings and submit to the Institutional Official for review
  • Facilitate interactions with regulatory agencies

The Federal Mandate to the Institution (9CFR)

  • Responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer of the Institution (President):
    • Appoint the Institutional Official (IO) and all members of the IACUC
  • Responsibility of the Institutional Official:
    • Review the institution's program for protecting animal welfare with the assistance of the IACUC minutes and reports