What is the primary purpose of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?

The primary purpose of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is to ensure ethical standards in animal research. This committee plays a crucial role in overseeing the use of animals in research and teaching settings, ensuring that all procedures involving vertebrate animals are conducted in a humane manner and in accordance with established ethical guidelines. The IACUC reviews research proposals involving animal subjects to assess the merits and the humane treatment of the animals involved, ensuring that researchers comply with federal regulations and institutional policies.

The committee also addresses concerns about animal welfare and promotes the three Rs: replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal use in research. This means that researchers are encouraged to replace animals with alternative methods when possible, to reduce the number of animals used to a minimum, and to refine experimental procedures to minimize pain and distress.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary mission of the IACUC. Funding of animal care practices and regulation of veterinary practices do not fall under the IACUC's controlling authority. Additionally, while veterinarians may conduct research, the IACUC does not grant blanket permission for any type of research; it assesses the ethical implications specifically tied to animal welfare.