Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
The Butler University Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee (IACUC) reviews all protocols involving vertebrate,
non-human animals to ensure their ethical treatment. This includes
animals that will be used in laboratory courses as well in
research. It also includes animals that will be used off-campus by
members of the Butler Community. Everyone working with animals is
required to review the Butler University Principle of Humane Use of
Laboratory Animals and sign verification that they are familiar
with the information contained in that document.
The IACUC is made of five members, qualified through experience
and expertise to assess the University's animal programs,
facilities, and procedures, appointed by the Chief Executive
Officer or his/her appointed designee and will include the Director
of the Butler Institute for Research and Scholarship, a doctor of
veterinary medicine who is experienced in the care of laboratory
animals, and a member who is not affiliated with University in any
other way than membership on the committee. If the CEO delegates
authority to appoint the IACUC then the delegation must be specific
and in writing.
The Public Health Service Policy (PHS) requires institutions to
establish and maintain proper measures to ensure the appropriate
care and use of all animals involved in research, research
training, and biological testing activities.
"The committee is responsible for oversight and evaluation of
the animal care and use program and its components described in the
Guide for the Care and Use of Animals. Its functions include
inspection of facilities; evaluation of programs and
animal-activity areas; submission of reports to responsible
institutional officials; review of proposed uses of animals in
research, testing, or education (i.e. protocols); and establishment
of a mechanism for receipt and review of concerns involving the
care and use of animals at the institution." (Institute of
Laboratory Animals Resources, National Academy of Sciences,
1996)