The IACUC adheres to the belief that the development of knowledge necessary for the improvement of the health and well-being of humans as well as other animals requires in vivo experimentation with a wide variety of animal species. In particular, the IACUC observes the principles espoused in the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals:
- Procedures should be designed and performed on the basis of relevance to human or animal health, advancement of knowledge, and/or the good of society.
- The appropriate species, quality, and number of animals should be used.
- Discomfort, distress, and pain should be avoided or minimized in concert with sound science.
- Appropriate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia should be used.
- Humane and experimental end points should be established.
- Appropriate animal husbandry should be directed and performed by qualified persons.
- Experimentation on living animals should only be conducted by or under the close supervision of qualified and experienced persons.
Additionally, the IACUC advocates the use of animal alternatives as described by the 3 Rs in The Principles of Humane Experimental Techniques (Russell & Burch, 1959), specifically:
- REPLACEMENT of animals when possible,
- REDUCTION in animal numbers used, and
- REFINEMENT of the animal procedures to minimize discomfort as mush as possible
We also believe in a fourth R – RESPONSIBILITY
Currently, IACUC review applies to vertebrate animals. However, it is assumed that invertebrate species will be handled with the same degree of care and concern.