This document has been developed by the CCAC subcommittee on procurement of animals used in science. The guidelines outlined within the document seek to establish best practice for the procurement of animals to be used in Canadian science. For the CCAC, best practice incorporates the principle of guidelines that are based on sound scientific evidence and expert opinion, subject to peer review. The establishment
of best practice also includes the adherence to ethical principles generally accepted by
the Canadian public. For the CCAC, these ethical principles are described within the CCAC policy statement on: ethics of animal investigation (1989), and are based on the Three Rs: Reduction, Refinement and Replacement, as outlined by Russell & Burch (1959).
A. PREFACE
SUMMARY OF THE GUIDELINES
LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1 Ethical Considerations
2.2 Responsibilities
2.3 Regulations
3. CONSIDERATIONS IN THE PROCUREMENT OF ANIMALS
3.1 Intended Use of the Animals
3.2 Availability of Facilities
3.3 Breeding or Raising Animals Internally Versus Out-sourcing
4. SOURCES OF ANIMALS
4.1 Suppliers
4.2 In-house Breeding Colonies
4.3 Livestock from Farms and Auction Markets
4.4 Poultry from Commercial Operations
4.5 Animals from Pet Shops or Their Suppliers
4.6 Dogs and Cats
4.6.1 Purpose-bred Dogs and Cats
4.6.2 Non Purpose-bred Dogs and Cats
4.7 Procurement of Animals from Another Institution or Animal User
4.8 Animals from Other Studies
4.9 Procurement of Animals from the Field
4.10 Use of Privately Owned Animals
5. TRANSPORTATION
6. RECEIVING ANIMALS
6.1 Documentation
6.2 Conditioning
6.3 Acclimatization and Quarantine
7. REFERENCES
8. GLOSSARY