University of Windsor – Animal Research FAQ
The University of Windsor is committed to conducting research that advances human and environmental health while upholding the highest standards of ethics, responsibility, and animal welfare. This FAQ provides clear information about the role of animal research at our institution.
The Animal Care Committee (ACC) is the University of Windsor’s oversight body for animal research. It reports directly to the Vice-President, Research & Innovation, and includes expert researchers, veterinarians, animal care staff, and community representatives who have received rigorous training.
The committee is responsible for:
- Reviewing and approving all Animal Use Protocols.
- Providing mandatory changes to protocols to adhere with leading regulations involving use of animals in research.
- Ensuring that animals are housed and cared for in compliance with federal and provincial regulations, including the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and Ontario’s Animals for Research Act.
- Monitoring ongoing projects and approving any modifications.
No research involving animals may be conducted without ACC approval.
Animal research advances science and the improvement of health. At UWindsor, animal-based studies are carefully designed to generate knowledge in areas such as human health, environmental sustainability, and wildlife conservation.
The University of Windsor recognizes and supports the development of alternatives—such as computer models and cell cultures—yet some scientific questions cannot be answered without the use of animals.
Animals used in lab-based research at the University of Windsor are limited to rodents and fish.
The University of Windsor is fully committed to following national and provincial regulations established by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA).
CCAC ensures that an arm's length Animal Care Committee (ACC) is in place locally to provide oversight of the practices occurring in research studies involving animals. All animal-based research at UWindsor must be approved and monitored by the ACC.
- It is also important to know that: Scientific experts review research proposals involving animals before they can begin. Only a small percentage of work is approved, and all studies must be deemed essential and must use the most up- to- date approved methods.
- Every level of regulation oversight and care adhere to the Three Rs principle: Replacement (use non-animal alternatives wherever possible), Reduction (use the minimum number of animals needed), and Refinement (minimize pain and distress). The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) governs by this principle and requires the Animal Care Committee (ACC) and researchers to demonstrate that they are abiding by it.
- The University of Windsor requires ongoing training and certification for all researchers and staff working with animals.
- Each regulatory body conducts regular reviews and inspections to ensure that compliance and care standards are met.
- All animals are cared for in accordance with veterinary standards and Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) requirements.
- Research studies involving animals are evaluated not only for scientific merit but also for ethical justification.
- Researchers are required to complete training modules in animal handling, ethics, and care before being permitted to work with animals.
- Facilities are subject to regular internal and external inspections.
- Mandatory changes to protocols adhere with leading regulations involving use of animals in research.
- It is the responsibility of all regulatory bodies and the animal-based researchers to continuously adhere to the Three Rs principle: Replacement (use non-animal alternatives wherever possible), Reduction (use the minimum number of animals needed), and Refinement (minimize pain and distress).
The University of Windsor is committed to responsible and ethical research practices and to advancing the development of alternatives to animal use. Whenever possible, UWindsor researchers employ non-animal methods such as computer modeling, tissue culture, and imaging technologies.
Research organizations around the world acknowledge that animal research remains essential to advancing many areas of science, to understanding complex biological processes, and to supporting the improved health of humans and other animals.