What is the purpose of recordkeeping for animal procurement and disposition?

• A. To track sources, numbers, welfare, and final disposition; ensures accountability and regulatory compliance.
• B. To track staff attendance.
• C. To log experiment results only.
• D. To monitor energy consumption.

Answer: (A)

Recordkeeping for animal procurement and disposition provides a complete trail from when animals enter the facility to when they leave or are removed from use, ensuring accountability and regulatory compliance. It captures who supplied the animals, what species and strain, how many, age, sex, health status, and any permits or documentation at receipt. It also records how animals are used and moved within the facility, their housing and project assignments, and, crucially, their final disposition—whether they were euthanized, transferred, retired, or otherwise removed from a study. This creates an auditable history that supports welfare oversight, helps prevent unauthorized sources or improper use, and satisfies legal and institutional requirements (such as licensing, reporting, and IACUC expectations). Having thorough records also aids inventory control and enables timely action if welfare concerns or health issues arise, ensuring proper, compliant management of the animals throughout their lifecycle.