Animal Care Concerns

Have questions or concerns regarding animals used in research or teaching?

The University of Maine acknowledges and accepts responsibility for the ethical care and use of live vertebrate animals. It is essential that we assume responsibility for their welfare and that animal use for research or teaching purposes be conducted in a humane, compassionate manner.

If you observe or learn of activities involving animal care and use that you believe are inappropriate (inhumane treatment, neglect, unapproved procedures, etc.), you are encouraged to report such activities. You may make your complaint anonymously if you choose. The University of Maine’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is required by federal regulations to investigate all such reports in a confidential manner. No member of the University (student or employee) is subject to any reprisal for reporting any suspected violations.

If you believe an activity is inappropriate, the most direct way to deal with the problem is to speak with the people involved (supervisor, principal investigator, technician, etc.). Persons not familiar with animal research may misinterpret some procedures as causing pain or distress, when in fact that is not the case. If for any reason you do not wish to speak to the people involved with the activity, you may pursue the question within the University.

If you have a question or concern involving animals used on the campus for research or teaching, their human handlers, or any related matter, please contact any one of the following individuals.