Reporting Animal Welfare Concerns

The IACUC is responsible for ensuring that all animals used in research and teaching programs are treated in accordance with all applicable government regulations, institutional policies, and the highest of ethical standards. 

The USDA Animal Welfare Regulations and North Carolina law provide specific protection for employees, IACUC members, laboratory personnel, or class members against discrimination or other reprisals for reporting violations of the Animal Welfare Act (whistleblower protection). UNC Charlotte prohibits retaliation or sanctions against any individual who brings allegations of animal misuse, cruelty, or any other animal welfare concern to the attention of ORPI, anyone else in the animal care and use program, or University administration (see University Policy #803: “Reporting and Investigation of Suspected Improper Activities and Whistleblower Protection”).

Any individual with a concern regarding the care or use of animals at UNC Charlotte is encouraged to report the situation.  There are multiple mechanisms for reporting, and animal welfare concerns may be reported anonymously.  Should you choose to identify yourself, your identity will be kept confidential to the greatest possible extent.  The information you provide will be investigated promptly. 

Should you have a concern regarding the care or treatment of animals used in research or teaching activities under the purview of UNC Charlotte, please submit a report using one of the following mechanisms:

• Contact the Office of Research Protections and Integrity (ORPI) at 704-687-1872 or uncc-iacuc@charlotte.edu. Alternatively, you may call or email the Executive Director of ORPI, Dr. Angelica Martins (704-687-1876 / A.Martins@charlotte.edu).
• Contact the Interim Attending Veterinarian, Dr. Melissa Stair (mstair1@charlotte.edu).
• Contact the IACUC Office at: uncc-iacuc@charlotte.edu or 704-687-1872.
• Contact the IACUC Chair, Dr. Didier Dréau (ddreau@charlotte.edu).
• Submit an anonymous report directly to the ORPI using this form. Note that your information is not collected unless you choose to supply it.
• Submit an anonymous report using the University’s incident reporting system. Please choose the option “Report Any Other Concern.”
• Submit an anonymous report using Ethics Point. Please choose the option “Make a Report.” OR Dial toll-free, within the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Canada: 844-251-1873.

Please be prepared to share the following information:

• Incident description
• Date and time of the incident
• Location of the incident (building name and room number and/or name of the principal investigator overseeing the space)
• Did you witness the incident yourself?
• Have you reported this incident to anyone else? If so, to whom and when? What action was taken?
• Optional: Your name and contact information