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Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Policy Reporting of Animal Welfare Concerns
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January 20, 2009, Volume 55, No. 18

Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to describe the procedures that will be followed for addressing animal welfare concerns at the University of Pennsylvania.

Background: The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) requires the University of Pennsylvania Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), to review and, if warranted, investigate concerns involving the care and use of animals resulting from reports of noncompliance received from laboratory or research facility personnel, or public complaints (9 CFR 2.31[c][4]). The IACUC receives institutional support through the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (VPR).

Reporting Policy: The IACUC encourages the rapid reporting of concerns related to animal welfare and has established procedures to review and investigate any allegation of violations of University of Pennsylvania IACUC Guidelines, University Laboratory Animal Resources Standard Operating Procedures, Public Health Service Policy or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Regulations implementing the AWA. Animal welfare reports can be expressed in writing, by telephone or in-person.  Allegations should be detailed and specific, and be accompanied by supporting documentation when possible, to allow for a thorough investigation.  All concerns will be reviewed regardless as to how they are received. Reports may also be communicated anonymously. The University is committed to protecting the rights of any individual reporting concerns of animal welfare (see Policy 011 “Workplace Violence”).

Reports may be filed with the IACUC:

Telephone: (215) 573-2540
(Office of Regulatory Affairs)

(215) 573-4863
(Director of Animal Welfare)

(215) 746-5624
(Animal Welfare Compliance)

Fax: (215) 573-9438
E-mail: IACUC@pobox.upenn.edu

Writing: Office of Regulatory Affairs,
Penn Science Center, Suite 301S
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6006 

Reports may be filed with the University Corporate Compliance Office:

Individuals may also report concerns through 1-888-BEN-TIPS, the University’s Corporate Compliance Office hotline.  Those concerns dealing with animal welfare are reported to the IACUC for resolution and reporting.  Individuals may remain anonymous.

Reports may be filed in-person:

Individuals may submit a personal report to the IACUC Office, the IACUC Chairperson, or any IACUC members.
 
If you have questions concerning this announcement please contact Dr. Troy M. Hallman at (215) 573-4863 or by e-mail at thallman@upenn.edu.

—Troy M. Hallman, Director of Animal Welfare, Office of Regulatory Affairs

 

 

 

Almanac - January 20, 2009, Volume 55, No. 18