Department of Animal Science

Contract Requirements for Events Involving the Use of Animals at Michigan State University Facilities

Preamble

Michigan State University recognizes and embraces the fundamental interdependence of humans and animals and is committed to the core value of humane care and use of all animals.

Animal-related activities are an integral part of MSU’s teaching, research and outreach missions and help MSU advance the quality of life for people and animals. Moreover, as a land-grant university, MSU regularly makes its facilities available to individuals and groups from outside the University community who wish to use these facilities for exhibitions, competitions, and other events involving animals. MSU takes great pride in the excellent care and respect received by animals in its care and expects the same commitment to animal welfare from others using MSU’s facilities.

MSU is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), a highly regarded independent reviewer of animal care programs. MSU faculty and staff implement humane care and management practices for animals in compliance with USDA regulations promulgated under the Animal Welfare Act, the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching. MSU has established an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) in accordance with USDA regulations, and MSU abides by the care and management practices approved by the IACUC.

Contract Requirements

For the reasons set forth in the Preamble, it is important that MSU establish baseline requirements to protect animals in events that take place at MSU when third parties contract for the use of MSU facilities. When MSU makes its facilities available to third parties for events involving animals, one of its primary objectives will be to ensure that appropriate veterinary care is provided to those animals. Therefore, contracts for such events will provide that the individual or entity contracting with MSU for the use of its facilities must either have a veterinarian present at the event or have a written plan for appropriate and timely veterinary care during the event for any animal utilized at the event. Those who contract for the use of MSU facilities for events utilizing USDA-regulated animals will be required to furnish evidence of a USDA license(s), documentation of routine veterinary care, the name of the accompanying staff veterinarian or the USDA-required Program of Veterinary Care, and upon request, USDA Inspection Reports.

Contact:
   JR Haywood, Interim Assistant Vice President for Regulatory Affairs
   204 Olds Hall
   Phone: 432-4500
   Email: haywoo12@msu.edu