Animal Care & Use

The decision to use animals in research requires critical thought, judgment, and analysis. Using animals in research is a privilege granted by society to the research community with the expectation that the use will provide either significant new knowledge or lead to improvement in human and/or animal well-being. It is a trust that mandates responsible and humane care and use of these animals.

Centro San Bernardo (CSB) affirms the principle that those who care for, use, or produce animals for research must assume and accept responsibility for the care and use of animals during all phases of its research efforts.

CSB promotes the “Three R” principles of animal welfare – reduction, refinement, and replacement. The Three Rs are an internationally accepted approach for researchers to apply when deciding to use animals in research and in designing humane animal research studies. CSB reviews, analyzes, and institutes recommendations of leading organizations promoting the humane care and use of animals, including The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) www.aaalac.org, and The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) www.nc3rs.org.uk.

CSB is committed to take actions to ensure that laboratory animals are treated according to high ethical and scientific standards. We strive to create a laboratory environment in which humane care and respect for animals are valued and encouraged. All animals at CSB’s facilities are handled with care and respect. Procedures are in place to ensure that the animals can play, learn and receive human contact and affection when applicable. With in-house certified veterinary technicians (CVTs), the animals are treated and maintained to meet the conditions of all UE policies. CSB regularly reviews and follows the principles and mandates set forth in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

CSB supports the activities of its Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The IACUC meets regularly to review and approve the policies, procedures, standards, organizational structure, staffing, facilities, and practices put in place by CSB to achieve the humane care and use of animals in the laboratory and throughout the institution. The members of the IACUC include a veterinarian, an independent community leader, scientists, and regulatory experts who are experienced in the ethical and humane care and use of animals.

CSB operates licensed and accredited research facilities. Independent institutions monitor and audit and governmental agencies oversee the care and use of animals at CSB facilities.