Policies> Photographing and Videotaping Research Animals and/or Animal Care Services Facilities
Visual records of animals or animal research procedures may inadvertently appear to suggest inappropriate animal care and use, or may be used out of context by anti-research interest groups. Because they must reflect the University’s great concern for humane care and use of animals, the production and use of photos or videos of animal research must be reviewed and approved PRIOR to production. Only the Principal Investigator/Study Director (on an approved Animal Care and Use Protocol) may request approval for making a visual record of animal research.
The PI/Study Director must make a request in writing, using an FMACS106 Request to Photograph/Videotape Animal Research form (found in CB-160), addressed to the Director of the ACS. The request must include the following information:
ACUP number and PI/Study Director- Species
- Format (photos, videotape)
- Specific procedure(s) or facilities to be recorded
- Assurance that the scenes recorded depict only appropriate procedures (e.g., use of surgical garb if surgery, gloves if nonhuman primates handled, clean cages, etc.)
- Dates, times and location of recording
- Identity of persons who make the visual record
- How the record is used, including audience, publications, etc
The ACS Director or a designee reviews and, if appropriate, approves the request, then assigns a staff veterinarian to be present during the actual taping or photo session. The veterinarian’s responsibility is to ensure that scenes are appropriately sensitive to animal care and use issues.
Photography or videotaping may proceed only after review and approval by the ASC Director or his designee. A copy of the approval is filed with the ACS SOP coordinator.
Visual and/or audio documentation (photographs, videotapes, etc.,) of animals illustrating invasive experimental procedures or altered behavior resulting from experimental manipulations must be made only when necessary for data analysis or presentation. Videos and photographs must be produced with absolute attention to professional conduct and concern for animal welfare.
Videos, photos and audio recordings must be stored securely, in a locked, unmarked cabinet outside the laboratory. Cabinets constructed of materials that allow visualization (i.e., glass) are considered inappropriate for this purpose.
