Welcome
Welcome to the first edition of our Animal Care Community Newsletter. In each bi-monthly issue you will find updates from Animal Care Services, the Animal Care Committee, and stories from within our community. Our mission is to foster communication amongst those of us who use and work with animals in science at our institution. If you have any questions about the content of this newsletter or wish to contribute to our community spotlight please contact us at acc@uoguelph.ca.
This initial edition of the newsletter has been share with investigators, educators, and facility managers. Help us by sharing this with your teams. Anyone who would like to subscribe can submit their names to acc@uoguelph.ca.
ACS Highlights
- RFP submissions for the new AUP System are being evaluated and demos are happening in October 2024. Reviews are being conducted by researchers, facility staff, and ACS staff. Implementation of the new system is expected for spring/summer 2025.
- Reminder that relevant guidelines, SOPs, and forms for animal users can be found on the Research Services Office (RSO) Document Locker by searching "animals" in the "Area" section.
ACC
- New Members Needed! The ACC is looking for community representatives and institutional personnel not involved in animal-based activities to join the committee. Click above to find out more!
- The ACC recently approved Guideline 24: Cumulative Endpoints.
General News
Canadian Council on Animal Care:
The CCAC provides overarching guidelines and policies that the ACC/ACS use to guide our animal care and use program. Here are links to recently published CCAC documents:
- Laboratory Animal Facilities [2024]
- Reportable Animal Welfare Incident (RAWI) FAQs [2024]
- Transparency in Animal-Based Science [2024]
- Husbandry of animals in Science [2017]
The CCAC has published their annual report, "Redefining our view of animal welfare in science".
Training
ACS Training welcomes new students and staff to the University of Guelph. Below you will find the link to our training schedule. For specific guidance on what training you require to work with or care for animals at UofG, contact us at training@uoguelph.ca.
Animal Utilization Protocols
- AUP Help Drop-in Sessions held every Wednesday from 1:00-2:30pm in-person in the ACS boardroom or virtually on Teams. Look forward to seeing you soon!
-
AUP Submission Guidance and Common Concerns
- Use this document to guide you through the AUP submission process and for answers to common questions.
Community Spotlight
Here you can see the ultra enriched housing that is home to the teaching rats at the Central Animal Facility. This was made possible by the dedicated staff and Dr. Sarah Baert (ACS) who secured funding from the AWI Implementing Refinement Grant to develop this space.
To have your work or a fun photo of your animals highlighted, share it with us. Each issue will include one submission as we champion our community and the amazing animals that make our work possible.
Upcoming Events
- RVT Month - October 2024: The Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians is hosting a number of webinars, found at the link above, to celebrate RVT Month.
-
Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW) F24 Seminar Schedule
- Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon
- Oct 23, 2024,12:30pm EST
-
CCAC Virtual Learning Series: Categories of Welfare Impact
- Oct 23/24, 2024, 1-2:30pm EDT
- October Healthy Workplace Month wellness calendar is available.
Resource Corner
- RSO Document Locker
- AUP System
- CCAC Website
- Animals for Research Act
- National Centre for 3Rs
- North American 3Rs
- Norecopa 3R's
Contact Us
- Newsletter - acc@uoguelph.ca
- AUP - acc@uoguelph.ca
- Training - training@uoguelph.ca
- Post-Approval Review - accpost@uoguelph.ca
- ACS Veterinarians - acsvets@uoguelph.ca
- Chair of the ACC - chairacc@uoguelph.ca
