Basic Biomethodology
For Laboratory Mice

The NHGRI Office of Laboratory Animal Medicine is dedicated to providing excellent standards of animal care to all species housed for use by this institute. Animal abuse or negligence of any kind will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of each and every employee to report all observed cases or evidence of animal abuse or negligence immediately. Reports can be made without fear of retaliation. The identity of the reporting individual can be withheld, if requested.

Written Reporting Procedures

Written reports of animal welfare concerns can be submitted to your direct supervisor, the Animal Program Director, the Facility Manager, Facility Veterinarian, or directly to the Animal Care and Use Committee Chairperson or to any Animal Care and Use Committee member. The ACUC does have the primary responsibility for addressing animal welfare concerns, however, incidents can be reported to anyone in a supervisory role. Incidents may also be reported directly to the Office of Animal Care and Use (OACU) at 301-496-5424. Written accounts should include a description of the animal health concern, the location and species involved, names of any parties involved or witnessing the activity in question, and protocol numbers or other pertinent information. Written reports can be e-mailed or delivered directly to the receiving party or can be submitted anonymously through the mail.

Verbal Reporting Procedures

Verbal Reports of animal welfare concerns can be given to the same individuals listed above. A verbal report should also include a description of the animal health concern, the location and species involved, names of any parties involved or witnessing the activity in question, and protocol numbers or other pertinent information.

Follow-up Procedures

The individual receiving the report of an animal welfare concern will be responsible for investigating the circumstances and for reporting the incident to the ACUC Chairperson, as appropriate.

Source: US National Institutes of Health