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Title: Section 55-1.5 - Care and treatment of animals

55-1.5 Care and treatment of animals.

(a) The laboratory or institution shall give careful consideration to the humane treatment of animals wherever located. This includes any off-premises locations which are not considered part of the laboratory or institution. The food given to the animals shall be wholesome and in sufficient quantity for the type of animal and scientific tests. The animals' quarters shall be kept clean, well lighted and ventilated and be maintained at a proper temperature. Quarters or cages of suitable size shall be provided so that each animal may stand, sit and lie in a normal position and turn around with ease. All quarters and cages shall be kept clean, and after they are vacated and before they are reoccupied shall be cleaned by procedures suitable to prevent spread of communicable diseases.

(b) Laboratories and institutions providing transportation for animals must arrange for their humane handling during their transportation to and from the laboratory or institution.

(c) Pain and discomfort shall be minimized by proper use of tranquilizers, analgesics and anesthetics. Exceptions may be made when provisions for maximum comfort, including the use of tranquilizers, analgesics and anesthetics, would defeat the purpose of the experiment. Any exceptions are to be made only after having received the recommendations of the person in charge of animal care.

(d) If animals are to be killed, they must be killed humanely.

(e) Humane methods for killing animals shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) inhalant agents such as carbon dioxide for small rodents;

(2) noninhalant pharmacological agents such as:

(i) barbituric acid derivatives; and

(ii) a combination of chloral hydrate, magnesium sulfate and sodium pentabarbital for large animals;

(3) physical methods such as decapitation for small animals.

(f) Inhumane methods which are prohibited shall include but not limited to the following:

(1) noninhalant pharmacological agents such as:

(i) chloral hydrate alone;

(ii) strychnine;

(iii) magnesium sulfate alone; or

(iv) curariform drugs or agents with curariform activity;

(2) physical methods such as:

(i) drowning; or

(ii) exsanguination without causing prior unconsciousness.
 

Volume

VOLUME A-1 (Title 10)

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