Reporting Concerns
Policy
St. Cloud State University is committed to the humane treatment of all live vertebrate animals used in research and teaching. The privilege of using live animals for the advancement of science and medicine carries with it the responsibility to follow all applicable laws, policies, and procedures designed to promote animal well-being and ensure ethical treatment.
Who to Contact
Concerns or complaints regarding the care and use of animals at St. Cloud State University may be reported to the course instructor, the principal investigator or faculty member in charge of the research project, any member of the IACUC, the IACUC Administrator, or the Institutional Official.
What Information Is Needed
Concerns can be communicated verbally or submitted using the Animal Care Concern Form. Whether submitted verbally or in writing, the concern will be reviewed by the Institutional Official for possible informal or formal investigation and/or appropriate action.
Activity Suspension
The animal facility manager, attending veterinarian, Institutional Official, or any IACUC member may immediately stop an animal use activity if animals are being harmed or mistreated. Such incidents must be reported as soon as possible following proper IACUC procedures.
The IACUC may suspend an activity it previously approved if it determines that the activity is not being conducted in accordance with the approved protocol, the applicable provisions of the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide, the university’s assurance, or PHS Policy.
The activity in question will be reviewed at a convened meeting of the IACUC, where a quorum is present. If suspension is warranted, a majority vote of the quorum is required. The Institutional Official must be notified in a timely manner.
After consulting with the IACUC, the Institutional Official will take appropriate corrective action and, if necessary, report the incident and findings to the applicable federal agency. The Institutional Official may also initiate an investigation in accordance with the university’s Policies and Procedures for the Handling of Allegations of Academic or Research Fraud and Serious Misconduct.