Reporting Concerns for Animal Welfare

Note: these guidelines are for any person who is concerned about vertebrate animals used for research and/or educational purposes by faculty, staff, or students of the University of Richmond. Vertebrate animals include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. IACUC does not deal with sick or wounded wildlife, or pets.

For wildlife issues, please contact the Wildlife Center of Virginia, at (540) 942-9453.

For domestic animal issues, please contact the Richmond Animal Care and Control Unit at (804) 646-5573.

Any person who witnesses or suspects misuse of animals at the University of Richmond is strongly encouraged to report his/her concerns, whether they be faculty, staff, students, or members of the community.  They may report their concerns to the IACUC Chair or any member of the committee. They may also report their concerns anonymously via the web-based Ethics and Compliance Reporting Form.  There are no restrictions on who may report an alleged incident.

Under no circumstances will reporting such incidences in good faith be detrimental to an individual’s standing within the institution.  In accordance with the University's non-retaliation Policy, 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, in person, or via the web. The person may remain anonymous.

The IACUC is required by law to investigate reports of suspected abuse or mistreatment of vertebrate animals used in the course of research and/or education. If you observe or suspect animal abuse, mistreatment, or non-compliance with federal, state or local regulations or non-compliance with an approved protocol, please report the incident. The IACUC will investigate and evaluate concerns. All of the information obtained from individual reporting, as well as information obtained during investigation, will be maintained confidentially to the extent possible.