Saint Joseph’s University distinguishes itself through a powerful commitment to the ethical and humane treatment of animals in all facets of research, testing, and education. This dedication is clearly demonstrated through its comprehensive animal care program st joseph’s, designed to not only meet but exceed the highest standards of animal welfare.
This commitment is formalized through the university’s Assurance # D16-00630, a pledge to adhere strictly to the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. This assurance underscores the institution’s serious approach to ethical research practices and animal stewardship.
The animal care program st joseph’s at St. Joseph’s University applies broadly to every activity involving live vertebrate animals. This includes teaching, various forms of research, research training, experimentation, and biological testing, whether conducted directly at the university or through its sponsored activities at external institutions. The program ensures that all animal-related activities, regardless of location or funding, are conducted with the utmost respect and ethical consideration for the animals involved.
St. Joseph’s University operates in full compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and all other pertinent federal statutes and regulations. Furthermore, the university’s principles are deeply rooted in the “U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training.” These guidelines provide a robust framework for the animal care program st joseph’s, ensuring that every procedure and practice reflects a commitment to humane treatment and responsible animal use.
At the heart of the animal care program st joseph’s is the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the IACUC is composed of experts dedicated to overseeing all aspects of the university’s animal program, facilities, and procedural standards. This committee plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the animal care program.
The IACUC’s responsibilities are extensive and crucial. It rigorously reviews the university’s animal care program biannually, utilizing the PHS Guide as the benchmark for evaluation. Facility inspections are also conducted with the same frequency and standards, ensuring that all animal housing and research environments meet the highest levels of care and safety.
Following each evaluation and inspection, the IACUC prepares detailed reports with recommendations for program improvements, facility upgrades, or personnel training enhancements. These reports are submitted directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, ensuring that animal welfare is a continuously prioritized and improved aspect of university operations. The IACUC also serves as a critical point of contact for addressing any concerns related to animal care and use within the institution, providing a channel for ethical oversight and immediate response.
Moreover, the IACUC holds the critical responsibility of reviewing and approving all applications and proposals for activities involving animal care and use. This includes proposed significant changes to existing, approved activities. This rigorous review process ensures that every project aligns with the animal care program st joseph’s and adheres to the university’s Assurance and all regulatory requirements. Investigators are promptly informed in writing of the IACUC’s decisions, whether approvals, required modifications, or disapprovals, ensuring transparency and procedural clarity. The IACUC also conducts annual continuing reviews of all covered applications and proposals, reinforcing ongoing ethical oversight.
The IACUC possesses the authority to suspend any previously approved activity if it finds non-compliance with approved protocols, the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide, the university’s Assurance, or PHS Policy. This power underscores the committee’s role in enforcing the highest standards of animal care and ethical conduct within the animal care program st joseph’s.
For researchers and educators seeking detailed guidelines and formats, the Office of Research Services (ORS) and the ORS website provide comprehensive resources. These readily available materials ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and equipped to uphold the principles of the animal care program st joseph’s.
St. Joseph’s University’s commitment to humane animal care is not just a policy—it’s a deeply ingrained principle reflected in every aspect of its research and educational activities. The animal care program st joseph’s, overseen by the diligent IACUC, ensures that the university remains a leader in ethical and responsible animal stewardship within the academic and research communities.
