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³ÉÈË´óƬ's Animal Care Committee

Under the authority of ³ÉÈË´óƬ's VP (Research), per MAPP 7.12 Appendix 1, and as outlined within its Terms of Reference, ³ÉÈË´óƬ's ACC oversees the Animal Ethics & Care Program (AECP), a comprehensive, integrated program consisting of institutional structures, people, policies and processes that ensure alignment of animal-based science activities with external regulations, guidelines and best practices. 

³ÉÈË´óƬ's Animal Care Committee Overview

Per its Terms of Reference, the ACC's key responsibilities include:

• Thorough ethical review of Animal Use Protocols;
• Utilize its delegated authority to: stop any procedure it considers objectionable on the basis of unnecessary distress or pain experienced by an animal; stop immediately any use of animals that deviates from the approved use; have an animal euthanized humanely if pain or distress caused to the animal is not part of the approved AUP and cannot be alleviated;
• Delegate the authority to treat or euthanize animals to an institutional veterinarian; ensure unrestricted access to all animals and animal spaces;
• Develop, review and disseminate AECP Policy/Procedures;
• Oversee all spaces used in animal-based science activities; perform ACC Site Visits;
• Ensure related programs are in place:
  • Institutional Animal User Training Program
  • Post-Approval Monitoring Program 
  • Human safety program;
  • Integrated Crisis Management Program
  • Concerns response program
• Engage the VP (Research), as appropriate.

To more effectively facilitate this important mandate, the ACC's Executive Working Group - with multi-role representation from the Full ACC - provides regular oversight through its weekly meetings.  For more information link to the ACC Working Groups Terms of Reference.

For more information, contact the Office of the ACC via acc@uwo.ca.