Date Approved: February 14, 2006

Last Review Date: December 9, 2020

The University of Montana (UM) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees all aspects of UM animal care and use programs for teaching and research. The President of the University of Montana has granted the Institutional Official the authority to appoint members to the IACUC. The IACUC reviews all animal use protocols, ensures compliance with federal regulations, inspects animal facilities and laboratories and oversees animal training and educational programs. The IACUC serves as a resource to faculty, investigators, technicians, students, staff, and administrators and provides guidance for conducting all animal use procedures with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical principles.

The IACUC also oversees the Occupational Health and Safety Program for animal users. The IACUC is composed of a chair, a veterinarian, research scientists, non-scientists, and community representatives.

The IACUC makes semiannual inspections of all facilities and laboratories where animals are housed or utilized.

The IACUC is scheduled to meet monthly.

Federally Mandated IACUC Functions:

1. Review at least once every six months UM's program for humane care and use of animals, using the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals as a basis for evaluation.
2. Inspect, at least once every six months, all of the animal facilities, including animal study areas/satellite facilities, using United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Regulations and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals as a basis for evaluation.
3. Prepare reports of IACUC evaluations and submit the reports to the Institutional Official.
4. Review and investigate legitimate concerns involving the care and use of animals at the research facility resulting from public complaints and from reports of non-compliance received from facility personnel or employees.
5. Make recommendations to the Institutional Official regarding any aspect of the research facility's animal program, facilities or personnel training.
6. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of those components of proposed activities related to the care and use of animals.
7. Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of proposed significant changes regarding the care and use of animals in ongoing activities.
8. Suspend an activity involving animals when necessary; take corrective action and report to the funding agency, USDA, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) and Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC).