Overview
At Claremont McKenna College (CMC), all research involving animals is carried out under strict ethical and legal standards to ensure humane care and responsible use. Projects using vertebrate animals must be reviewed and approved by the joint CMC-Harvey Mudd College Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Work with invertebrates may require safety review. Faculty members conducting or supervising animal research in their laboratories are responsible for making sure all requirements are met.
Research Using Vertebrate Animals
CMC follows federal standards for animal care set by the Public Health Service, reflecting policies and recommendations of:
Any project using vertebrate animals (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, or fish) at CMC must be approved in advance by the joint CMC-Harvey Mudd College Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The principal investigator (PI) on such protocols must be a CMC faculty member. The PI is responsible for supervising all work with animals under their protocol and ensuring compliance with all applicable policies. Step-by-step information about applying for IACUC approval, required training, and safety is available at the links at the end of this document.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Welfare Act (AWA) sets standards for most “warm-blooded” animals, but not for laboratory-bred rats (of the genus Rattus), mice (of the genus Mus), birds, or any “cold-blooded” species. CMC’s animal facilities only accommodate these non-USDA-regulated species.
In accordance with federal policies, our attending veterinarian has access to all IACUC-covered laboratory animals on campus and the authority to assess and treat, relieve pain, and/or euthanize these animals.
Research Using Invertebrate Animals
The IACUC does not regulate work with invertebrate species. However, researchers wishing to conduct research with invertebrates should discuss their plans with the CMC Environmental and Chemical Hygiene Officer before starting a project. Note that some invertebrate research may require review by the Institutional Biosafety Committee.
Fieldwork and Permits
Research that involves collecting animals, working with wildlife, or taking animal samples in the field may require state and/or federal permits. The PI must obtain the necessary permits, and for work with vertebrate animals, provide documentation of these permits to the IACUC.
Questions?
Contact the IACUC Chair for help with planning your research or understanding the requirements.
Concerns about lab animal welfare or non-compliance can be reported to the IACUC chair directly, or anonymously at the Report a Concern webpage.
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