Purpose

To establish the University's principles and institutional requirements for the ethical care and use of animals in research, teaching and training and define the governance, authority and accountability of the animal care and use program.

Scope

All animal-based activities conducted under the auspices of Memorial University, regardless of funding source or location. It applies to research, teaching, training, testing, breeding, field studies, tissue collection from live animals, and other scientific or educational activities involving animals within the scope of Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) requirements or otherwise designated by the Animal Care Committee (ACC).

Definitions

Animal — Any non-human vertebrate animal or cephalopod used for research, teaching, training or testing, and any other species within the scope of this Policy, or under applicable regulations, ACC or CCAC requirements.

Animal Care and Veterinary Resources (ACVR) — The University unit that manages and supports the institutional animal care and use program through veterinary care and expertise, animal facility operations, husbandry, technical services, training and competency assessment, post-approval monitoring, CCAC submissions, compliance reporting and support, emergency preparedness and program administration.

Animal Care Committee (ACC) — The standing committee established by Memorial University under the authority of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) (VPRI) to oversee the ethical care and use of animals.

Animal Facility — All University-owned, operated, leased, affiliated or ACC-approved location where animals are housed, bred, maintained, quarantined, treated or used. This includes but is not limited to vivaria, aquatic and agricultural facilities, satellite housing area, provincially-owned facilities, and other approved animal spaces.

Animal Use Protocol (AUP) — The application approved by the ACC that describes and authorizes specific animal-based activities, personnel, procedures, locations and conditions.

Animal User — Any person who handles, cares for, observes, restrains, transports or performs a procedure on an animal, or who directs, supervises or is otherwise responsible for an animal-based activity. 

Animal-Based Activity — Any research, teaching, training, testing, breeding, field or related activity involving animals within the scope of this Policy.

Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) — The national organization responsible for setting and maintaining standards for the ethical care and use of animals in science in Canada and for assessing and certifying participating institutional programs.

Field Studies — Animal-based activities conducted outside a conventional animal facility in natural environments, or agricultural, community or other locations. Field studies may include but are not limited to capture, handling, sampling, marking, tracking, temporary holding and release, or observation, with or without intervention.

Humane Endpoint — A pre-established, agreed-upon criteria, that determines when intervention, treatment, removal from study, or euthanasia is required to prevent or limit unnecessary pain, distress or avoidable harm.

Pedagogical Merit — The justification for using animals in an educational setting for teaching and learning activities, must include learning objectives, necessity of animal use, availability of alternatives and appropriateness of the proposed activity in accordance with CCAC polices and guidelines.

Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM) — The coordinated activities used to confirm that animal-based work is conducted in accordance with approved AUP and applicable requirements, and which are used to support education, the 3R's (replacement, reduction and refinement), communication and corrective action, if required.

Principal Investigator (PI) — The University member who, alone or with another member(s), has overall responsibility and accountability for the design, conduct, supervision and oversight of the animal-based research or teaching under an approved AUP.

Senior Administrator — The VPRI, or designate, who has institutional responsibility and authority for the animal care and use program.

University Veterinarian — The veterinarian appointed by the University to provide institutional leadership and professional oversight for veterinary care and animal welfare within the animal care and use program.

Visitor — Any person who is not a member of the University and who participates in or observes an approved animal-based activity or enters an animal facility under Memorial University oversight.

Policy

Memorial University recognizes that the ethical care and responsible use of animals are fundamental to excellence, integrity and public trust in research, teaching and training. The University is committed to ensuring that all animals used for research, teaching and training are treated with respect and receives care that supports the highest practicable standards of health and welfare. Animal-based activities may be undertaken only when they are scientifically or educationally justified, when suitable non-animal alternatives are not available, and when the anticipated benefits justify the ethical costs.

All activities must comply with applicable federal, provincial and municipal legislation; permits and licenses; occupational health and safety requirements; transportation standards; professional regulatory requirements; and contractual obligations. Veterinary practice must comply with the Veterinary Medical Act and the requirements of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Veterinarians.

Memorial University maintains an animal care and use program consistent with current CCAC policies, guidelines, recognized standards, certification requirements and assessment processes. These requirements are supported by Memorial University policies, ACC policies, standard operating procedures and facility requirements. This includes adopting the principles of the CCAC's Three Rswhich promote ethical science through the implementation of replacement, reduction and refinement strategies. PIs must research, identify and consider relevant alternatives, justify the use and number of animals, and refine all aspects of the activity to support animal welfare and reliable outcomes.

The University supports accurate, respectful and responsible public communication about animal-based research and teaching. Information involving animal use must protect privacy, security, legal obligations and legitimate research and teaching interests, while supporting informed public understanding and transparency.

1. Responsibilities

1.1 Vice-President (Research and Innovation) as Senior Administrator

The VPRI is responsible for the animal care and use program, and ensures that:

• the program has a clear governance structure, appropriate authority and effective communication channels;
• the ACC is independent in its ethical decision-making and has sufficient membership, administrative support, time and resources to fulfil its mandate;
• appropriate facilities, staffing, veterinary services, training, occupational health and safety support, emergency planning and financial resources are available;
• processes are in place for scientific merit review of research, and pedagogical merit review of teaching, where required;
• serious or persistent non-compliance and significant animal welfare concerns are addressed promptly;
• required reports are made to the CCAC, funders, regulators or other bodies in a timely manner; and
• the University responds effectively to CCAC assessments and maintains its Certificate of Good Animal Practice.

The VPRI may delegate operational responsibilities but retains institutional accountability.

1.2 Animal Care Committee (ACC)

The ACC is the central institutional body for ethical review and oversight of animal-based activities. It reports to the VPRI and operates under formal Terms of Reference consistent consistent with CCAC requirements.

The ACC has authority to:

• advise on policy and procedures for the use of animals;
• approve, require modification to, defer or reject an AUP application, amendment or renewal;
• suspend or withdraw approval where animal welfare, safety, integrity or compliance is at risk;
• require treatment, removal of an animal from an activity, or humane euthanasia;
• stop an unapproved procedure, any material deviation from an approved AUP, or any procedure causing unexpected or unnecessary pain or distress;
• access and inspect locations, records, animals or activities within its jurisdiction;
• require additional training, supervision, monitoring or corrective action; and
• report significant concerns directly to the VPRI.

No person or administrative body may authorize animal-based work that the ACC has not approved. Appeals against ACC decisions must follow an institutional process that respects the ACC’s ethical authority and does not permit animal-based work to proceed without valid approval.

1.3 Animal Care and Veterinary Resources

ACVR is responsible for coordinating and delivering core components of the institutional program. ACVR provides or arranges veterinary care; operates designated animal facilities; offers husbandry and technical services; conducts training and competency assessment; coordinates post-approval monitoring; advises PI and animal users; supports the ACC; and maintains program records and readiness for CCAC assessment.

1.4 University Veterinarian

The University Veterinarian provides independent professional leadership for animal health and welfare, and advises the ACC and VPRI. The University Veterinarian must have unrestricted access to animals and animal use locations and has the authority to examine, treat, remove from study or euthanize an animal where professional judgment indicates that immediate action is required.

The University Veterinarian may suspend an activity when necessary to protect animal welfare. Such action must be reported promptly to the ACC Chair and the VPRI.

2. Responsibilities of PI and Animal Users

2.1 Principal Investigators

The PI is accountable for the animal-based activity and must:

• obtain and maintain ACC approval before animals are acquired or work begins;
• ensure that the AUP accurately describes the work, and that amendments are approved before changes are implemented; except where immediate action is necessary to protect animal welfare;
• ensure all personnel are listed where required, understand the approved AUP, and are trained, competent and appropriately supervised;
• implement the Three Rs and seek veterinary, statistical, technical or other expert advice for animal-based activities;
• use appropriate anesthesia, analgesia, peri-procedural care and humane endpoints;
• provide adequate advance notice of animal procurement, housing, technical, veterinary, shipping and facility needs;
• maintain records according to accepted procedure and make them available for review;
• report animal health concerns, unexpected outcomes, adverse events, protocol deviations and other incidents promptly;
• cooperate with post-approval monitoring, site visits, veterinary directives and corrective actions; and
• ensure that students and other trainees understand both the ethical context and their individual responsibilities.

2.2 Animal Users

Animal users must work within the limits of their training, competency and approved responsibilities. They must follow the AUP, applicable procedures and facility requirements; monitor animals appropriately; maintain records; respond to animal health concerns; and report errors, incidents and unexpected outcomes without delay.

Students, trainees, volunteers and visitors may participate only under an approved AUP and with appropriate orientation, training, competency assessment and supervision. PIs remain accountable for ensuring that delegated activities are appropriate to the individual’s role and experience.

2.4 Animal Care and Facility Personnel

Animal care and facility personnel provide daily care, monitoring, husbandry, record keeping, environmental management and operational support. They must report animal welfare and compliance concerns promptly, and may stop an activity or seek veterinary intervention where immediate action is necessary to protect animal welfare.

3. Ethical Review and Protocol Approval

Prior written approval from the ACC is required before any animal acquisition, housing, breeding or animal-based activity may take place. Approval must remain current for the full duration of the activity. See the Procedure for Ethical Review [link] and Protocol approval for more details.

4. Animal Care, Housing and Veterinary Oversight

4.1 Standards of Care

Animals must be housed, cared for and monitored in environments appropriate to their species, life stage, health status and scientific research or teaching purpose. Husbandry, enrichment, social housing, environmental conditions and monitoring must be based on current CCAC guidance, veterinary advice and approved institutional standards.

4.2 Veterinary Care

Veterinary care must be available at all times. Investigators and animal care personnel must consult veterinary professionals when planning or conducting procedures that may affect animal health or welfare. Veterinary directives necessary to protect animal welfare are binding pending ACC review.

4.3 Acquisition, Transportation and Disposition

Animals must be acquired from approved sources and through authorized processes. Transportation must protect animal health and welfare and comply with applicable standards. Transfer, adoption, release, rehoming, euthanasia and other disposition must be approved and documented.

4.4 Surgery and Other Invasive Procedures

Surgery and invasive procedures must be performed in suitable locations using approved techniques, appropriate asepsis, anesthesia, analgesia and peri-procedural monitoring. Personnel must demonstrate competency before independent practice.

4.5 Humane Endpoints and Euthanasia

In addition to experimental endpoints, AUPs must include clear, objective and timely humane endpoints. Animals experiencing unanticipated pain or distress must receive prompt assessment and intervention. Euthanasia methods must be appropriate to the species and circumstances and consistent with current approved standards.

5. Training, Competency and Occupational Health

5.1 Training and Competency

All personnel must complete required ethics, species, facility, procedure and safety training before commencing work. Training completion alone does not establish competency. Individuals must demonstrate practical competency and receive authorization before independently performing procedures.

Training and competency must be maintained through appropriate supervision, continuing education, reassessment and refresher training. The ACC, ACVR or University Veterinarian may require additional training or restrict activities until appropriate training or competency is achieved.

5.2 Occupational Health and Safety

Individuals who work with or may be exposed to animals, animal tissues or specimens, or related hazards must participate in applicable occupational health and safety programs. Risks may include allergy, injury, zoonotic disease, hazardous agents, field hazards, ergonomic risks and psychological impacts. Required risk assessments, medical surveillance, immunization, personal protective equipment and safe work practices must be completed before exposure.

6. Duty to Report

Anyone who observes or reasonably suspects an animal welfare concern, unapproved activity, protocol deviation or other non-compliance must report it promptly to ACVR, the University Veterinarian, the ACC Chair or another designated reporting channel. Emergency concerns must be reported immediately. See Reporting a Welfare Concern Procedure [link].

7. Emergency Preparedness and Continuity of Care

The University will maintain emergency and continuity plans for animal facilities and animal-based activities. Plans must address building fire, wildfires, flood, power or mechanical failure, severe weather, infectious disease, security events, staffing disruptions and other foreseeable hazards. Protection of human life takes priority. However, within that constraint, plans must provide for animal welfare, essential care, veterinary response, relocation, communication and humane disposition where necessary.

PIs must identify activity-specific emergency needs and ensure that contact information, critical care instructions and contingency arrangements remain current.

8. Records, Information and Public Accountability

Records relating to AUPs, animal health and care, training, competency, facility operations, incidents, monitoring and committee decisions must be created, retained, protected and disposed of in accordance with Memorial University’s Information Management Policyapplicable law and CCAC expectations.

9. Compliance with this Policy

Compliance with this Policy and all applicable laws, CCAC requirements, ACC decisions, University procedures, approved AUPs and veterinary directives is a condition of authorization to conduct animal-based activities at or under the auspices of Memorial University.

Failure to comply may result in suspension or withdrawal of ACC approval, restriction or loss of animal use privileges, removal of access to facilities or resources, notification of funders or regulators, and action under applicable University policies, employment processes, student codes or contractual and collective arrangements.

Related Documents

Canadian Council on Animal Care

CCAC policy relating to projects of two or more institutions

Tri-agency requirements on Human and animal ethics

MUN ACC Terms of Reference

RCR Framework

Procedures: