touched by a beagles eyes

As a leading research University, Case Western strives to uphold ethical standards and to assure that the research supported by the university is justified and performed in the most humane way possible.

All research proposals at Case are carefully evaluated and scrutinized by the Case IACUC (Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee) to assure that the research is conducted according to protocol. The IACUC "is responsible for reviewing all protocols involving live vertebrate animals, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, inspecting animal facilities and laboratories and overseeing training and educational programs. The overall role of the IACUC is to ensure the humane and sensitive care and use of animals. "

I believe it is very important that we, as members of the Case community, learn about the kinds of research we support here at Case. I, for one, have many questions.

What kind of animals are being tested on at Case? (Dogs, pigs, mice, rats...) What types of experiments are conducted? Is the research classified as "pain class E" (the most severe level of pain inflicted on the test subjects) necessary and justified? Do the benefits of the research outweigh the costs? You can find answers to these questions by attending an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) meeting.

The first IACUC meeting I attended was an eye-opener as it revealed specific examples of research performed on animals here at Case. The IACUC meetings are open to the public, and I strongly urge everyone to attend one.

...Scratch that. The IACUC meeting are now officially closed to the public.