Of Record	Print Issue
March 15, 2011, Volume 57, No. 25

IACUC Policy: Reporting on Animal Welfare Concerns

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:

Phone: (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 Office of Institutional Compliance (OIC):Individuals may report concerns through 215-P-COMPLY (215-726-6759), Penn’s confidential reporting and help line. Those concerns dealing with animal welfare are reported to the IACUC for investigation. Individuals may remain anonymous.

Reports may be filed in-person: Individuals may submit a report to the IACUC Office, the IACUC Chairperson, or any IACUC member.

If you have questions, contact me at (215) 573-4863 or by e-mail at thallman@upenn.edu.

—Troy M. Hallman, Director of Animal Welfare