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Protocol for Filing an Animal Welfare Incident or Complaint
Edison State Community College acknowledges and accepts responsibility for the ethical care and use of live vertebrate animals utilized in the Veterinary Technology program. It is essential that we assume responsibility for their welfare and that animal use for teaching purposes be conducted in a humane, compassionate manner.
If you have a concern, complaint or inquiry regarding an observed animal welfare issue or incident which you believe is inappropriate (inhumane treatment, neglect, unapproved procedures, etc. by Edison State faculty, staff or students), you are encouraged to report these activities. Edison State’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) will investigate all such reports in a confidential manner. No member of Edison State (faculty, staff or students) or our community is subject to any reprisal for reporting any suspected violations.
If you believe an activity is inappropriate, the most direct way to deal with the problem is to speak with the team in Edison State’s Veterinary Technology program (program coordinator, veterinarian, instructor or site supervisor). Persons not familiar with teaching animals may misinterpret some procedures as causing pain or distress, when in fact that is not the case. If you do not feel comfortable discussing this with the Veterinary Technology program team or are unsatisfied with the initial contact, please submit a complaint via the below method. Specific and detailed information about the incident must be provided for review. It is important we have a complete description of the incident. Helpful information includes dates, times, individuals involved, details on the animal, witnesses and other information you can provide. We can do the best job of investigating and correcting the issue if you provide your name and contact information, but you do have the option of submitting your concern anonymously. These complaints will be reviewed by the Institutional Officer (Academic Dean) and/or Provost and then submitted to the IACUC chairperson for review and/or investigation.
Concerns should be submitted using the Animal Welfare Incident or Complaint Form.
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