Animal Care and Use at Virginia State University
The University and its faculty accept ethical and legal responsibility for the well-being and protection of animals involved in research and classroom activities or demonstrations.
Virginia State University is committed to the humane and responsible treatment of all animals being used for research, testing or education. All laboratory and agricultural animals receive proper care and are used humanely in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) policies and guidelines. All research activities carried out under the auspices of the University and involving the use of animals must be reported and approved in accordance with approved University procedures prior to the initiation of the work by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
IACUC Animal Research Protocol Form
The IACUC is required by law to investigate reports of suspected animal abuse or mistreatment. Reports may concern any aspect of the animal care and use program and can include alleged instances:
- Animal mistreatment, abuse, or neglect
- Violations of approved protocols, violations of standard operating procedures
- Use of animals not covered by approved protocols
- Violations of any animal-related regulation, institutional or facility policy
The IACUC will determine, through evaluation of the report and consultation with the Institutional Official (IO), whether reported animal welfare concerns or policy violations are reportable to OLAW and other agencies as applicable, and determine whether reported concerns are isolated incidents or systemic issues. All information obtained from individual reporting, as well as information obtained during investigation, will be maintained confidentially.
Any person who witnesses or suspects misuse of animals at Virginia State University is strongly encouraged to report his/her concerns. There are no restrictions on who may report an alleged incident. Reports can be made by the public, employees, or students, and may be made anonymously. Conditions that reportedly jeopardize the health or well-being of animals are evaluated immediately. Under no circumstances will reporting such incidences in good faith be detrimental to an individual’s standing within the institution. No person will be discriminated against or subject to any reprisal for reporting a concern or violation of any animal care and use regulation or standard.
Concerns may be sent by phone, in writing, or in person. Reports should include, to the extent available, a description of the violation, the time and date of the violation, the location, the type of animal involved, the individual(s) involved, and any other information relevant to the report.
Report an animal welfare concern
Contacts:
IACUC Chair, Dr. Paul Kaseloo 804-524-2996 pkaseloo@vsu.eduAttending Veterinarian
Attending Veterinarian, Dr. Bom Harris 804-499-0974 bharris@vsu.edu