Maine Medical Center (MMC) staff or attending physicians using animals in biomedical research or teaching must have IACUC approval to do so.

The IACUC regularly inspects all projects using animals and all projects housing animals along with the Consulting Veterinarian and Animal Facility Manager. The Consulting Veterinarian and Animal Facility Manager provide for and disseminate information on the care, health and well-being of animals at Maine Medical Center through the Animal Users Group.

All activities proposed to involve the care and use of live vertebrate animals must be reviewed and receive written, unconditional approval from the IACUC prior to commencing.  This policy applies to ALL activities proposed to involve the care and use of live vertebrate animals, regardless of funding.

The MHIR Animal Research Program maintains Full Accreditation from the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC).

AAALAC is a non governmental organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and evaluation pro grams. More than 670 companies, universities, hospitals, government agencies and other research institutions have earned AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to responsible animal care and use.

AAALAC Facts

Animals play an amazing role in our lives. Whether they’re frolicking in the wilderness, assisting in a dramatic search and rescue operation or working with police and fire investigators to solve a crime, animals make our world happier, healthier and safer. Animals also play a vitally important and essential role in medical research-for human and animal health.

Any person who witnesses or suspects abuse of animals at MMC is encouraged to report their concerns.  No adverse action will be taken against anyone making a report. You will not be required to give your name. Submit concerns anonymously (your login information will not be collected) by clicking on the button below.  The IACUC recognizes that it is a privilege to use animals in research and welcomes any information which would aid our efforts to assure the humane care of research animals used at MaineHealth Institute for Research.