Definitions
Mistreatment: Any action, physical or psychological, which results in wrongful or abusive treatment of an animal.
Noncompliance: Violation of University policy or noncompliance with the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy), the USDA Animal Welfare Act Regulations (USDA AWAR), and other applicable federal, state, and local laws or regulations governing animal care and use.
Who May Report
Any person, including any University employee, student, volunteer, or member of the general public, may report concerns involving the care and use of animals at UCLA. Such concerns may be reported anonymously through the campus compliance hotline. If the complainant identifies him/herself, protection of his/her identity will be maintained to the extent possible within the legitimate needs of law and the investigation.
When and What to Report
Based on federal requirements, the ARC has identified several kinds of reportable incidents that may serve as examples to guide individuals in making their determinations. These incidents include, but are not limited to, the following: a condition that is or may be a threat to the health or safety of animals; the conduct of animal-related activities or protocol modifications without prior ARC review and approval; continuing activities past the protocol expiration date; the conduct of activities by uncertified and/or unlisted personnel; continuing noncompliance.
If you believe that mistreatment or noncompliance has occurred, timely reporting is essential to protect the animals involved and to facilitate the investigation of the allegations. Owing to the great diversity of potential problems, it is not possible to anticipate all of the incidents that may occur and provide an exhaustive listing of those considered reportable. As such, determination that a problem falls within the letter or spirit of either "mistreatment" or "noncompliance" requires a degree of judgment. Frequently, the attending veterinarian, animal care personnel, and investigators can work together to prevent or resolve a problem. If in doubt, it is better to submit a report, as this may well protect the institution, the complainant, the alleged violator(s) and, of course, the animals.
How to Report
Reports are encouraged to be made in writing so as to assure a clear understanding of the issues raised, but may be made verbally. Such reports should contain as much specific, factual information as possible to allow for a full investigation and proper assessment of the nature, extent, and urgency of the concern. Information should include, but need not be limited to, the nature, date, time, and location of the occurrence; the person(s) against whom the allegation is being made; and any supporting documentation.
Whom to Contact
To ensure prompt attention to any reported allegation, as well as to ensure confidentiality of any "whistleblower" reports, please contact the ARC administrative staff, Institutional Official, Attending Veterinarian or veterinary staff, ARC Chairman, any ARC member, or the UCLA Compliance Office:
ARC Administrative Staff:
Phone: (310) 206-6308
Email: arc@research.ucla.edu
Mailing Address:
Research Policy & Compliance - ARC
10889 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1406
UCLA Compliance Office:
Hotline: (800) 403-4744
File a report online at: universityofcalifornia.edu/hotline
For information on investigative procedures, please refer to the ARC Policy on Investigating Allegations of Mistreatment or Other Noncompliance Issues.
[1] IACUC = Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. At UCLA, the IACUC is referred to as the Chancellor's Animal Research Committee (ARC).
Approved 4/26/04, Revised 3/1/10, 8/8/22; Updated 3/10/14, 1/25/17
Replaces ARC Policy on Reporting, Receiving and Handling Allegations of Mistreatment or Other Noncompliance Issues 2/95