Who is primarily responsible for overseeing compliance with regulations affecting animal care?

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is primarily responsible for overseeing compliance with regulations affecting animal care. This committee operates as an essential component in ensuring that all research involving animals adheres to ethical standards and federal regulations. The IACUC reviews research proposals and protocols to ensure that animal welfare is prioritized, that proper care and housing conditions are maintained, and that any potential pain or distress to the animals is minimized.

The committee’s oversight role includes conducting regular inspections of facilities where animals are housed, as well as ensuring that researchers are adequately trained in humane animal care practices. By playing a critical role in both monitoring and enforcing compliance with animal welfare laws, the IACUC helps to maintain high standards of ethical treatment in animal research. This responsibility makes the IACUC the primary body for ensuring adherence to regulations, distinguishing it from other entities such as the legal department, funding organizations, and general animal research committees, which may have different focuses or responsibilities.