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. All research at UT Arlington involving the use of live vertebrate animals is guided by the following laws and principles:

• Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et. Seq.)
• Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training
• National Research Council's Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

In summary, research studies involving the use of animals should be designed and performed with due consideration of their relevance to human or animal health, the advancement of knowledge, or the good of society. Proper use of animals, including the avoidance or minimization of discomfort, distress, and pain when consistent with sound scientific practices, is imperative. Unless the contrary is established, investigators should consider that procedures that cause pain or distress in human beings may cause pain or distress in other animals. Procedures with animals that may cause more than momentary or slight pain or distress should be performed with appropriate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia. Surgical or other painful procedures should not be performed on unanesthetized animals paralyzed by chemical agents. Animals that would otherwise suffer severe or chronic pain or distress that cannot be relieved should be painlessly sacrificed at the end of the procedure or, if appropriate, during the procedure.

Animal subject research is any activity involving the use of live vertebrates, including research, research training, experimentation, teaching, demonstration, display, or biological testing.

The federal regulations establish a reviewing body to ensure the protection and welfare of animal subjects, called the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC). Any activity conducted by UT Arlington faculty, staff, or students and involving live vertebrate animals must first be reviewed and approved by the UT Arlington IACUC. Please visit the Animal Subjects page for more information. Individuals who conduct animal subject research are required to complete Animal Subject Research Training.

The ultimate responsibility for compliance with the regulations that affect the care and use of animals lies with the animal users themselves; thus, it is of paramount importance that each researcher has knowledge of the regulatory requirements and local policies. The use of animals in research and teaching is a privilege carrying with it unique professional and moral obligations to ensure that animals are treated humanely and in accordance with the policies of UTA, the regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, the PHS Policy, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Investigators and other personnel shall be appropriately qualified and experienced for conducting procedures on living animals.

Along with meeting the specific requirements of a particular research study, investigators are responsible for ongoing requirements in the conduct of approved research that include:

• obtaining prior approval from the IACUC for any modifications of the previously approved research;
• ensuring that progress reports and requests for continuing review and approval are submitted to the IACUC in accordance with the policies, procedures, and actions of the IACUC;
• providing to the IACUC prompt reports of any unanticipated problems involving risks to the health or welfare of animals;
• providing to the IACUC prompt reports of serious or continuing noncompliance with the regulations or the requirements of the IACUC; and
• maintaining appropriate and accurate recordkeeping pertaining to the use of animals during the course of the study, and for reporting that information to the IACUC on an annual basis or as requested.

For more information, including instructions for submitting a protocol for IACUC review, please visit the Animal Subjects website and complete the Animal Subject Research Training.