Who is responsible for ensuring that environmental standards such as cage size, bedding, and enrichment are met for laboratory animals?

• A. The Institutional Safety Office.
• B. The Human Resources Department.
• C. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
• D. The Finance Office.

Answer: (C)

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for ensuring environmental standards for laboratory animals, including cage size, bedding, and enrichment. This body oversees all aspects of animal welfare in research setups. It reviews and approves animal use protocols, conducts regular inspections of housing and husbandry facilities, and ensures compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. By evaluating facilities, equipment, and care practices, the IACUC makes sure that animals are housed in appropriate, enriching environments and that staff receive the necessary training and veterinary oversight to maintain welfare. Other offices, like Safety, Human Resources, or Finance, handle their respective domains and do not have the primary duty of ensuring these animal welfare standards.