The use of animals in science at the University of Guelph is overseen by the institutional Animal Care Committee (ACC) and is governed by provincial legislation as well as a number of policies and guidelines, both institutional and external.
Legislation
All animal use for the purposes of research, teaching and regulatory testing in Ontario falls under the auspices of the Animals for Research Act of Ontario and compliance is overseen by the Chief Veterinary Inspector of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Failure to comply with the Act may result in closure of animal facilities and loss of animal use privileges at the institution.
Animals for Research Act of Ontario
Policies
Institutional policies and policies created by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) govern the ways in which live animals are permitted to be used in science at the University of Guelph. Applicable policies must be followed without exception and violation thereof carries the risk of repercussions from the issuing body.
University of Guelph Animal Care Policy and Procedures (2012)
Guidelines
Guidelines are peer-reviewed documents that describe expectations of best practices or detail certain concepts or procedures. It is required that guidelines are followed, but exceptions may be applied under certain circumstances with ample justification. The CCAC maintains and produces numerous guidelines that articulate standards for the use of animals in science. Under a Memorandum of Understanding, the University of Guelph and its community are obligated to adhere to the CCAC guidelines or risk the loss of Tri-Council funding.
Other CCAC-recognized Standards
The ACC maintains institutional guidelines that direct the way in which University members conduct research and teaching with live animals. These guidelines are approved by the ACC and are reviewed on a regular basis or as needed. Failure to comply with these guidelines without express permission from the ACC may result in animal use sanctions. ACC guidelines are listed below.
- Guidelines on Searching for Information on replacement for animal use in teaching and research (2009)
- Guidelines for Appointment of Community Members on the ACC (2009)
- Guidelines Summary of Responsibilities of Principal Investigators and Instructors (2008)
- Guidelines Statement on Animal Welfare (2010)
- Guidelines Summary of Responsibilities of Facility Managers (2008)
- Guidelines on Modifications to an Animal Utilization Protocol (2009)
- Guidelines on Interference with or Removal of Animals Used in Teaching and Research from University Animal Facilities (2009)
- Guidelines for Undergraduates and Graduates involved with animal care duties on their own projects (2009)
- Guidelines for Animal Use by Student Organizations (2009)
- Guidelines for Veterinary Services to Animal Utilization Protocols and Animal Facilities (2008)
- Guidelines on What Constitutes a Minor Amendment (2009)
- Guidelines for Protocol Review and the Animal Care Committee Subcommittees (2009)
- Guidelines for Use of Vertebrates and Cephalopods in Teaching (2009)
- Guideline on Designated Veterinarian, AUP - Role and Responsibility (2010)
- Guidelines on the Use of Multimedia Presentations in Animal Teaching Laboratories (2011)
- Guidelines for Invasive Procedures involving Teaching and Research Animals (2012)
- Educational Merit Review Committee - Modus Operandi (2012)
- Concerns and Complaints in the Animal Care and Use Program (2012)
- Guidelines on Post Approval Monitoring (2011)