DISCLAIMER:

If there is a discrepancy between this electronic policy and the written copy held by the Policy owner, the written copy prevails.

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McMaster University maintains a policy supporting the responsible use of animals in research for the purpose of obtaining knowledge essential to preventing and curing human and animal disease, eliminating pain and suffering, and in teaching for the purpose of scientific and technical education. McMaster University co-operates and complies with all agencies regulating the use of laboratory animals.
 

PRINCIPLES OF ANIMAL CARE
The provision of humane care of animals in research and teaching will be assured by adherence to the following principles:

1. All projects involving the use of animals must be approved by the Animal Research Ethics Board in accordance with the regulations of the Animals for Research Act of the Province of Ontario and the guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
2. Animals will only be used when alternative procedures are not feasible.
3. The species will be carefully selected to ensure the most effective use of animals.
4. The least invasive techniques possible will be employed.
5. The number of animals used will be the minimum required to achieve the objectives of the research/teaching programme.
6. Alleviation/reduction of pain and distress will be of prime concern during and following all procedures.
7. All animals will be cared for according to current veterinary standards.

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OFFICIAL POLICY ON INSTITUTIONAL USE OF ANIMALS
We are a research intensive institution, involving extensive use of animals in biomedical research. Our high ranking in life science research (first in Canada ahead of the University of Toronto and Queen's University) by Science Watch, the newsletter published by the Institute for Scientific Information, is largely due to results from animal experimentation.

We need an official policy for internal and external reasons:

Internal

• to enable the Animal Research Ethics Board and the University Veterinarian to enforce the guidelines of the Canadian Council for Animal Care (necessary for compliance and awarding of grants) and the regulations of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (necessary for maintaining an animal facility) with the researchers/users.

External

• to respond to potential challenges from Animal Rights/Welfare groups and to promote positive public relations with the community at large regarding our concern for appropriate care of animals.

Approved by Senate, November 9, 1994
Approved by Board of Governors, December 8, 1994

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Contact Department: Committee on Scientific Development

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MUFA - pdk
July 2005