McGill University
IN-23: Laboratory Animal Welfare

From the Policy on the Study and Care of Animals:

4. Use of Animals in Research, Teaching and Testing
The use of animals in research, teaching and testing must be described in an Animal Use Protocol (AUP). At McGill University, all AUPs:
a. Are peer-reviewed for scientific or pedagogical merit;
b. Are approved by the Facility Animal Care Committee (FACC) before animals are purchased and/or used in laboratory or field studies;
c. Comply with the [Canadian Council on Animal Care] CCAC policies and guidelines;
d. Ensure that work with animals is performed in an area approved by the FACC and/or a CCAC certified institution’s facility, which will consistently ensure the appropriate care of animals and the safety of staff through high standards of animal care and management.

In addition, all AUPs conducted outside Canada by McGill individuals:
a. Are ideally performed in an institution or facility accredited by the CCAC, the International Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) or other national or international accreditation organizations;
b. Failing the existence of any official accreditation policy in the relevant location, it is the responsibility of the McGill researcher to obtain reasonable assurance that all work will be conducted in an environment where animals are treated humanely to the satisfaction of the FACC.

The AUP will contain detailed explanations on:
a. Alternatives: Whenever compatible with research, teaching or testing objectives, alternative methods for replacement (non-animal use), reduction in the number of animals, and refinement in procedures and husbandry will be applied for the proposed project;
b. Animal numbers: Animal numbers will be minimized and justified based on a clear description of the objectives, the study design and/or on a statistical rationale;
c. Endpoints: Any anticipated signs of morbidity will be clearly outlined and will warrant appropriate monitoring by trained individuals. Procedures which cause severe pain near, at, or above the pain tolerance threshold of unanesthetized conscious animals, or death and moribundity as clinical endpoints or study goals are not permitted.
d. Pilot Project: The FACC may require a pilot study if the clinical signs, and their severity or frequency, are unknown. Results from this pilot study will be reported to the FACC before approval of the complete protocol. Animals will be removed from the study, treated or euthanized at the earliest possible endpoint consistent with the objective(s) of the proposal, and in accordance with the endpoints in the AUP accepted by the FACC;
e. Long term housing and reuse of animals: These issues will be carefully considered by the FACC, taking into account the general welfare of the animals;
f. Research, teaching, testing and husbandry procedures: These will be performed in conditions that consider both the welfare of the animals and the success of the procedures. They will be performed by trained individuals who are capable of ensuring appropriate care;
g. Euthanasia: The method used will follow the recommendations of the CCAC. The euthanasia will be carried out by trained individuals and be performed in conditions which avoid unnecessary pain or distress to the animal;
h. Source of animals: The source of animals will be legal, recognized and reputable. The FACC will approve the source of the animals before they are ordered or used;
i. Hazardous materials: The use of hazardous agents (radioactive materials, recombinant DNA/RNA, human/plant/animal pathogens, toxins, chemical carcinogens, etc.) must be described in detail including the potential health risks to humans and animals, special animal care and containment requirements, precautions for individuals, animal disposal and related waste requirements as well as applicable emergency procedures. Individuals working with hazardous material must adhere to applicable environmental and safety guidelines.