HARRC > ANIMAL SUBJECT RESOURCES > PITFALLS

Common Pitfalls for Animal Subject Researchers

1. Grant or Research Deadlines: HARRC will make every effort to meet on a weekly basis during the academic year and to act in a timely fashion (several days to two weeks) on all submitted protocols. However, it is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure that HARRC approval is obtained prior to research or grant deadlines. In other words, don’t submit a protocol the day before you need action on it.

2. Research that won’t be Published or Presented: Research-like activities are often undertaken for educational purposes or as pilot studies for future research. It is common in these circumstances for investigators to assume that since they don’t intend to present or publish the research they do not need to gain HARRC approval for their activity. Strictly speaking this is true. However, the investigator is out of luck if the activity produces unexpected or compelling results that merit presentation to a wider audience. In other words, it’s better to have approval for your activity and not need it then vice versa.

3. Euthanasia: Standard euthanasia method should be employed whenever possible. Researchers should contact the Animal Room Coordinator (currently Dr. Johnathan Melville, 352-8675) for information about our standard practices. Any proposed deviation from the standard should be described in the animal protocol.

4. Animal Housing: The number of animals per cage that researchers intend to house should be described in the research protocol. Do not assume that every species prefers to live one animal to a cage. The Animal Room Coordinator (currently Dr. Johnathan Melville, 352-8675) can provide information on standard animal housing strategies. Any proposed deviation from standard housing practices should be described in detail in the Animal Protocol.

5. Research Design: HARRC will not comment on the quality of your research design unless it impacts the welfare of your subjects. You need not worry that we will deny your protocol because we think the research design is poor. By the same token, however, you should not expect that student research proposals or other research protocols will receive any constructive feedback from HARRC.

6. Injectables: Pain or distress to animals from injection of fluids can result from any or all of the following: handling of the animal during the procedure, the type of chemical/substance injected, and the volume of fluid injected. Researchers must address all three of these issues in the Animal Protocol.