LLU recognizes that it is a privilege to use animals in research and instruction and is committed to protecting the welfare of these animals. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Animal Care Facility (ACF) rely upon all who work with research animals at the University to share this commitment. Thus, any time any LLU employee has concerns with respect to the animal care or use at LLU, he or she is encouraged to report the situation immediately. These concerns may include, but are not limited to, all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act, Animal Welfare Act Regulations, and the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
Policy
For any situation in which LLU personnel become concerned about any aspect of animal care or use at the University, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Animal Care Facility (ACF) have established a formal process and set of procedures for reporting and following up on such concerns.
Individual Reporting Concern
Any individual identifying any animal care and/or use concern(s) or possible protocol violation(s) should, if possible, speak to the person he or she believes is responsible for the violation. If speaking to the person directly is not possible, individuals may report their concerns by phone, in writing, or by fax or e-mail. The person making the report is not required to provide his or her name.
In response, IACUC will take appropriate action in a timely manner.
If the reporting individual does not receive a satisfactory response or if he or she anxious about confronting the responsible individuals, the reporting individual may raise his or her concern with a supervisor, the Principal Investigator of the project, or an Animal Care Facility manager.
If the situation is not resolved or the reporting individual does not feel that the solution is adequate, he or she may contact the Campus Veterinarian at x44316 or the IACUC Chair at x44531.
In addition to the above listed individuals, reporting individuals may anonymously contact the 24-Hour Research Compliance Hotline at 800-249-9953 or make a report directly to the Director of Research Integrity at x88166.
By law, the employer cannot retaliate for "whistle blowing" if the employee has probable cause for a concern.