Report an Animal Concern

Background

The University takes seriously its responsibility to ensure that animals are treated humanely at all times.

Furthermore, UMKC is committed to conducting business ethically and complying with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations and University policies and procedures. Such behavior is expected of all UMKC faculty and staff.

Regulation

The regulations issued pursuant to the Animal Welfare Act [found in the 9 CFR Section 2.31(c)(4)] (AWA) and the Public Health Service Policy, Section IV.B.4, (PHS Policy) require that the IACUC review and, if warranted, investigate concerns involving the care and use of animals at the research facility (Institution) that result from received public complaints or reports of noncompliance from laboratory or research facility personnel or employees.

In accordance with the AWA, [(9 CFR Ch. 1), Part 2-Subpart C, 2.32 (b)(4)]: training and instruction shall be made available as to how deficiencies in animal care and use can be reported by any employee of the facility. No facility employee, committee member or laboratory personnel shall be discriminated against or subject to any reprisal for reporting violations of any regulation or standards under the Act.

The 8th edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals lists among the IACUC's oversight functions the "establishment of a mechanism for receipt and review of concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution."

Reporting Concerns About Animal Care and Use Policy (PDF)

Any individual having a concern about the care or use of laboratory animals at UMKC can (and should) report that concern and be assured that it will be investigated appropriately and they, if requested, will be notified of the progress or outcome of the investigation.

UMKC ensures that "No facility employee, Committee member, or laboratory personnel shall be discriminated against or be subject to any reprisal for reporting violations of any regulations or standards under the Act (AWA) [9 CFR Section 2.32(c)(4)]" and extends that insurance to any individual.
Whether or not made anonymously, all reviews and investigations will be dealt with confidentially to the extent reasonably possible.

Guidance for Individuals with Concerns

Any individual with a concern involving laboratory animal care and use at UMKC, their human handlers, adherence to approved protocols or a related matter can bring the situation to the attention of the University by contacting one of the individuals or offices associated with the IACUC.

If the individual is not sure the situation warrants reporting to University personnel, they are encouraged to seek additional information about the situation, but at any time can decide to report the situation. Whether or not made in confidence or anonymously, the situation will be dealt with confidentially to the extent reasonably possible. Additional information can be obtained from the University's Attending Veterinarian, the IACUC Chair or any Committee member, the IACUC Office Director, the Institutional Official, a research staff member or a LARC staff member.

IACUC and IACUC Office Handling of Reported Concerns

The individual or office contacted will forward the concern, report or question to UMKC's IACUC for review and, if warranted, action.

The IACUC must consider all allegations of noncompliance and determine if there is sufficient reason to warrant further investigation. This determination is based on whether an activity is in accordance with the AWA, the Guide, UMKC's Assurance with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), the PHS Policy IV.C.6 or the AWA (2.31.(d)(6).

If the activity, situation or condition reported is actually occurring at the time of the report and potentially involves an animal welfare concern, the Chair or Designee in consultation with the Attending Veterinarian or Designee will initiate an immediate on-site assessment of the animal(s) or condition to ensure that animal welfare is not compromised. In parallel, an investigation of the activity will commence.