Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a federally mandated committee that oversees our institution’s animal program, facilities, and procedures. It provides a framework for compliance with federal policies, guidelines and principles related to the use of animals in research, teaching and testing. The members of this committee are highly qualified through experience and expertise

USDA and PHS require institutions using animals to appoint an IACUC and charge it with specific responsibilities.

To ensure compliance with all regulations, policies and standards have been put in place to protect animal welfare. IACUC members review all requests for approval to use vertebrate animals. The committee members also conduct inspections of all areas where animals are housed and used and review the institutional program for animal use.

The UA Little Rock policies for animal care and use encompass regulations of the Animal Welfare Act as amended (Public Law 99-198 – The Improved Standard for Laboratory Animals Act), Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (8th Ed.)

Reporting Concerns Regarding Animal Welfare

It is required that all animals used by UA Little Rock for education, research, or testing purposes shall receive proper care and treatment in accordance with the Federal Animal Welfare Act and with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) procedures and guidelines.  Anyone who has concerns about the treatment or use of animals or witnesses improper or unapproved animal care or use should report their concerns.  No individual shall be discriminated against or be subject to any reprisal for reporting violations of any regulation or standards under federal regulation and University Policy.

To report a concern, please contact: Angela Willis, Research Compliance Officer, 501-916-6209 (LIB 525)