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About the ACC
Under the authority of Western's VP (Research), per MAPP 7.12 Appendix 1, and as outlined within its Terms of Reference, Western's ACC oversees the Animal Ethics & Care Program (AECP), a comprehensive, integrated program consisting of institutional structures, people, policies and processes that ensure alignment of animal-based science activities with external regulations, guidelines and best practices.
Western's Animal Care Committee Overview
Per its Terms of Reference, the ACC's key responsibilities include:
- Thorough ethical review of animal use protocols (AUP);
- Utilize its delegated authority to: stop any procedure it considers objectionable on the basis of unnecessary distress or pain experienced by an animal; stop immediately any use of animals that deviates from the approved use; have an animal euthanized humanely if pain or distress caused to the animal is not part of the approved AUP and cannot be alleviated;
- Delegate the authority to treat or euthanize animals to an institutional veterinarian; ensure unrestricted access to all animals and animal spaces;
- Develop, review and disseminate AECP policies and procedures;
- Oversee all spaces used in animal-based science activities;
- perform ACC site visits;
- Ensure related programs are in place:
- Institutional animal user training program
- Post-approval monitoring program
- Human safety program;
- Integrated crisis management program
- Concerns response program; and
- Engage the Vice-President (Research), as appropriate.
To more effectively facilitate this important mandate, the ACC's executive working group – with multi-role representation from the full ACC – provides regular oversight through its weekly meetings. For more information link to the ACC Working Groups Terms of Reference.
Contact Us
For more information, contact acc@uwo.ca.