Animal Care Committee

The foundation of the Canadian system for oversight of animal use in science is the institutional Animal Care Committee (ACC). Having an established ACC is required in order to be in compliance with the Animals for Research Act of Ontario and requirements set forth by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). The ACC is directly involved in all decisions regarding animal care and use at the institution.

The ACC is composed of licensed veterinarians, researchers and instructors utilizing animals in research and teaching, researchers, and instructors who do not utilize animals, representatives from the local community, technical staff, facility managers, graduate students, representatives from Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), as well as administrative staff from Animal Care Services. The ACC has a diverse membership in order to ensure that all views are represented and considered during review of proposals to use live animals. Areas of particular focus during ACC review include justification for animal use, numbers of animals, animal procedures that will take place, impact of procedures, experience and skills of individuals to perform the procedures, and species-specific welfare considerations.

We welcome expressions of interest from community members who wish to contribute to the regulatory oversight of animals used in science.

Do you have a strong passion for animal welfare and a keen interest in ethics? The Animal Care Committee is seeking new members to fill the following positions:

Institutional personnel not involved in animal-based activities

To provide the perspective of the institutional community regarding animal-based research and teaching.

Community representatives

To represent Guelph's general community interests, opinions and concerns regarding animal base research and teaching.

Institutional faculty involved in animal-based activities

To contribute scientific and practical knowledge and expertise while assessing animal base activities.

Member terms are for no less than 2 years and up-to 4 years, renewable for a maximum of 8 years:

• Institutional personnel not involved in animal-based activities: They are a member of faculty or staff whose normal activities, past or present, do not involve animals for research or teaching. Committee membership is part of faculty member DoE’s for service and reported to the Promotion and Tenure meeting of the academic unit.
• Community representatives: Must not have any affiliation (including familial) with the institution as a whole. Can provide meaningful work for those looking to contribute to research and represent their community.
• Institutional faculty involved in animal-based activities: Should be a resource for protocol authors and other animal users regarding animal care committee matters, and can act as a liaison between protocol authors and the ACC. Committee membership is part of faculty member DoE’s for service and reported to the Promotion and Tenure meeting of the academic unit.