Policy:  Use of Vertebrate Animal Subjects

The responsibility for the humane care and treatment of vertebrate animals used in any research project rests with Tarleton State University and the principal investigator/project director. Funding can be withdrawn from a project and from the university if the project is found not to be in compliance with Use of Animal Subject Policies.

If a project involves animals, except farm animals used for food and fiber research, the project team and Tarleton’s endorsing officials must comply with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and other regulations pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of vertebrate animals held or used for research, teaching, or other activities supported by Federal awards.

In the case of laboratory animals used or intended for use in research, Tarleton must adhere to the principles enunciated in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and to federal regulations and rules issued under the AWA. In case of a conflict between the guidelines, the higher standard of care shall be used.

When domesticated farm animals are used or intended for use in agricultural food and fiber production research, teaching or other activities and are housed under farm conditions, Tarleton must adhere to the principles stated in the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching.

To insure university projects are in compliance, Tarleton has established an Institutional Review Board and formal review process which all grant applicants must complete before submitting their grant request for organizational approval.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)
         Chairman: Dr. Phil Sudman, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences-Mammologist
         Russell Pfau, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Geneticist
         Max Sanderford, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Physiologist
         Andy Schwartz, DVM, Practicing Veterinarian, Medicine
         Ex Officio: Dr. Bert Little, Associate Vice President for Research, Geneticist

Required Form
         PDF Version
         Word Version