Exemptions
- Clinical tests for veterinary products under regulatory standards.
- Recognized veterinary procedures related to animal welfare (e.g., administration of medicines, anesthesia, surgery).
- Recognized agricultural practices unless part of experiments.
Key Definitions
- "Animal": Any live vertebrate used or intended for scientific procedures.
- "Scientific Procedures": Activities involving animals for research, teaching, product testing, or biological production.
- "Manipulation": Interference with normal physiological or anatomical integrity that may cause pain, distress, or harm.
Authorization and Registration Requirements
- Entities (private or government) must secure authorization from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to conduct scientific procedures.
- Application includes form submission, compliance documents, and a P100 processing fee.
- Authorization revocation may be appealed to the Animal Welfare Committee.
Authorization Requirements
- Submit Application for Authorization with:
- Description of ACUP signed by a licensed veterinarian.
- Accreditation Certificate from recognized bodies like PALAS.
- Animal Technician Training Program certification.
- Certification of an existing IACUC with at least three members including a veterinarian, a scientist experienced with animals, and a public member.
- IACUC functions include:
- Evaluating and approving ACUP and protocols.
- Monitoring and reviewing ACUP implementation.
- Reporting annually to BAI.
Renewal of Authorization
- Valid for 2 years, renewable based on compliance evaluation.
- Renewal application submitted at least one month before expiration.
Euthanasia Procedures
- Euthanasia defined as painless humane death minimizing fear, pain, and distress.
- Must be performed away from public view.
Accepted Methods of Euthanasia
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Suitable for various species; requires proper concentration and ventilation.
- Inhalation Anesthetics: Halothane and Methoxyflurane (expensive), Ether (flammable, unsatisfactory), Chloroform (not recommended).
- Barbiturates (e.g., sodium pentobarbital): Preferred for dogs and cats, administered via various routes.
- Cervical/Cranial Concussion: Requires skill; used for rodents and rabbits.
- Cervical Dislocation: Humane method requiring skill; used in rodents and small rabbits.
- Decapitation: Method for pharmacological studies; dangerous and aesthetically objectionable.
- Exsanguination: Performed post-anesthesia mainly in rabbits and guinea pigs.
- Air Intravenous Injection: Rapid death but not recommended for unanesthetized animals.
- Chloral Hydrate and Magnesium Sulfate: For cats and dogs with sedation.
- Ethanol 70%: For mice and rats; humane, inexpensive, intraperitoneal injection.
Administrative Sanctions
- Authorization may be revoked for:
- Failure to conduct training programs.
- Misrepresentation of material facts.
- Reapplication allowed only after one year from revocation.
Legal Provisions
- Separability Clause: Invalidity of any provision does not affect others.
- Repealing Clause: Inconsistent administrative orders and rules are repealed or modified.
- Transitory Provision: Existing scientific procedures allowed until denial or authorization issuance.
- Effectivity: Order effective 15 days after newspaper publication.