Recordings of Vertebrate Animals (IACUC)

Purpose

Boston University (BU) is committed to observing Federal policies and regulations and AAALAC International standards for the humane care and use of animals. This policy describes restrictions on recording vertebrate animals. Adherence to this policy is mandatory unless a specific exception has been approved by the IACUC.

Covered Parties

This policy is applicable to all persons responsible for conducting approved animal research, teaching, training, breeding, and related activities, hereinafter referred to collectively as “activities,” involving vertebrate animals at or under the auspices of Boston University.

University Policy

No one may photograph, film, videotape, or audio record experimental animals or their intact tissues and organs if those recordings are intended for sharing outside the scientific community without prior approval from BU Public Affairs (BUPA) and the Institutional Official (IO). Permission must be obtained from BUPA and the IO prior to releasing these recordings to a lay audience or a member of the media (e.g., journalists from television, newspaper, radio, internet; documentary film directors). Permission must also be secured prior to releasing a previously made animal recording to the media. All requests for media interviews must be handled through BUPA. Under no circumstances may a member of the media be brought into an animal facility or animal use site (including lab space if there is an animal in the lab) without the express permission of the IACUC Chair and the Attending Veterinarian as well as BUPA and IO. Animals are not to be used as props during an interview unless approved in advance.

IACUC approval is required if the recording of an animal is part of the experimental design (e.g., videotaping and later scoring of animal behaviors, imaging scans). The actual procedure must be described in the relevant animal use protocol.

Responsible Parties

The BU IACUC is responsible for the oversight and evaluation of the animal care and use program and its components. The IACUC and the Attending Veterinarian are responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy.

History

Effective Date:            11/14/2024
Next Review Date:      11/13/2027