MSWord-NIH.docVIP

WORKING WITH THE LABORATORY DOG Training for the Enhancement of Animal Welfare in Research Videotape Script: June 2001 The use of dogs in research in the United States must comply with the federal law known as the Animal Welfare Act, which is enforced by the United States Department of Agriculture. Dogs used in research are also covered by a Public Health Service policy and a publication entitled Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Additional information on the dog may be obtained from the book Laboratory Animal Management: Dogs published by ILAR (eye’-lar), and from the Animal Welfare Information Center at the National Agricultural Library. In providing care for dogs, their social needs should be considered, especially in the case of long-term housing. If research protocols permit, dogs are often best housed in compatible pairs or small groups. Dogs desire and benefit from interaction with people. Play, grooming, and petting can provide very positive experiences for the dogs and their care givers. Objects such as chew toys may also provide enrichment and outlets for normal behavior. Check with your facility staff for toys which are appropriate. Dogs should have the opportunity for activity. This may be provided by interaction with their care giver, by giving them access to play areas or runs, or by being walked on a leash. The ANIMAL WELFARE ACT requires that an exercise plan for dogs be put in writing and be approved by the attending veterinarian and the institutional animal care and use committee, or IACUC (eye’-ah-cook). Typically, individually housed dogs must be exercised out of their cages unless they are provided at least 2 times the minimum floor space required by U-S-D-A regulations. Group-housed dogs do not require exercise out of the cage if they are provided with at least 100% of the required floor space for each animal. The Animal Welfare Act requires that pain and distress be minimized in laboratory animals. Researchers must co