A25 – Animal Care and Use
Approver: Vice President, Academic
Owner: Executive Director, Academic
Effective: April 10, 2026
Last Reviewed: June 18, 2022
1. Purpose
This policy regarding Animal Care and Use is designed to ensure the humane, ethical and exemplary treatment and care of animals in the advancement and transmission of knowledge. Red River College Polytech (‘RRC Polytech’ or ‘the Polytech’) is committed to implementing and maintaining the highest accepted Canadian standards of animal care and use in animal-based teaching or research.
2. Definitions
Animal: The term “animal” as defined in this policy refers to vertebrate animals. It is recognized, however, that in regard to ethical issues surrounding the experimental use of animals, it will be necessary to include some invertebrates, in particular, cephalopods (octopi and squid), insofar as consideration should be given to the complexity of the central nervous system of a species and its sentience, rather than any physical appearance and phylogenetic relationship to the human.
AUP: An Animal Use Protocol (AUP) is a detailed plan or set of guidelines that researchers, institutions, or organizations must submit for approval before conducting any scientific or educational activities involving animals. The protocol outlines how animals will be used, the types of procedures they will undergo, and how their welfare will be safeguarded throughout the process.
CCAC: The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) is the national organization responsible for setting and maintaining standards for the ethical use and care of animals in science in Canada.
ACC: The Animal Care Committee (ACC) is RRC Polytech’s animal care committee that is set out and maintained as specified in the ACC’s Terms of Reference (TOR).
CVMA: Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
MVMA: Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association
Whistleblowing: The reporting of concerns related to the care and use of animals in the care of RRC Polytech’s Veterinary Technology or related programs. This includes improper handling, animal harm, animal abuse or any other negligent activity or actions regarding animals.
3. Application
This policy applies to all individuals engaged in the use of animals for teaching or research at RRC Polytech, including those working with live animals within the Veterinary Technology program or related programs.
This Policy does not apply to animals on campus under the care and authority of students, staff, contractors or members of the public as a Service Animal, as defined under Policy G-6, Accessibility.
4. Policy
4.1 Principles
4.1.1
The Polytech accepts the standards and guidelines established and published by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). The standards are those outlined in the most current Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals and the CCAC Types of Animal Guidelines. In addition to adhering to the CCAC standards, there must be adherence to all pertinent federal, provincial and municipal regulations.
4.1.2
All proposed animal-based teaching and research activities must be clearly described in an Animal Use Protocol (AUP), which must be approved by the Animal Care Committee (ACC) before any animal-based work begins.
4.1.3
All individuals involved in ACC approved AUP activities shall complete appropriate training as approved by the ACC before engaging in any animal-related activities.
4.1.4
Animals will only be used when alternative procedures are not feasible or when required to meet accreditation standards, and the species will be carefully selected to ensure the most effective use of animals to meet the end point defined for their use.
4.1.5
The number of animals used will be the minimum required to achieve the objectives of the teaching/research program and accreditation standards.
4.1.6
Minimizing animal pain, distress and discomfort will be a primary ethical obligation, and the least invasive techniques possible will be employed. Welfare indicators and Humane Intervention Points will be defined for any protocol where animal use is occurring. An annual ACC review of any humane interventions will occur for each protocol designed for animal use.
4.1.7
All animals will be cared for according to the most recent veterinary standards by following all recommendations on animal welfare as espoused by the CVMA, MVMA and CCAC.
4.2 Whistleblowing
4.2.1
RRC Polytech is transparent and accountable in the use of animals. All members of the public and Polytech Community have the right to submit good faith concerns and complaints regarding the use and care of animals in RRC Polytech’s Veterinary Technology program in accordance with the Procedures.
4.2.2
RRC Polytech prohibits any forms of reprisal or retaliation against individuals who make such complaints.
5. Responsibilities
5.1
The Executive Director, Academic is responsible for the implementation of this policy and is responsible for overseeing this Policy and approving the Procedures required for its implementation.
5.2
The Dean of Health Sciences and Community Services and the Associate Dean, Health and Community Services are responsible for oversight of the ACC and ensuring compliance with this Policy within their academic divisions.
5.3
The ACC shall be responsible for approving, monitoring, and reviewing AUPs as well as reviewing and responding to major whistleblowing complaints.
5.4
The Legal and Compliance Department is responsible for advising the Executive Director, Academic, that a formal review of this Policy is required.
6. Review Period
6.1
This Policy shall be reviewed every five (5) years.
6.2
In the interim, this Policy may be revised or retired if:
- the Vice-President, Academic or the President deems it necessary or desirable to do so;
- the Policy is no longer legislatively or statutorily compliant; and/or
- the Policy conflicts with a Board Policy or directive.
- If this Policy is revised or retired, all Procedures, if applicable, shall be reviewed as soon as possible in order that they:
- comply with the revised Policy; or
- are in turn retired.
7. Other Related Documentation
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.