BACKGROUND

This policy describes the permitted use of recording devices in any area where research animals are housed, tested, studied, or used (e.g., treated) at Wayne State University (WSU) or the associated campuses, including John D. Dingell VAMC ("Animal Areas").  The widespread use of mobile devices equipped with photographic capabilities (e.g., smart phones, tablets, etc.) permits almost anyone with access to Animal Areas to both legitimately and illegitimately capture and store images of animal subjects. This policy specifies the conditions under which legitimate audio and visual recording of animal subjects is permitted within Animal Areas.  This policy is intended to protect the welfare of animals, integrity of scientific protocols, and provide confidentiality and security of WSU animal use and related procedures and housing areas.

IACUC Policy

The audio or visual recording of animals in Animal Areas through the use of any recording device (e.g., film camera, digital camera, camera phones, digital recorder, sound recorder) is prohibited with the following exceptions:

1. When performed by government inspectors (e.g., United States Department of Agriculture Veterinary Medical Officer);
2. When performed by an authorized Principal Investigator (PI) or an animal user approved on the related animal study when required for scientific reasons (e.g., publications, laboratory documentation) or academic activities.
3. When performed by veterinary staff when required to assist in clinical diagnosis of disease or response to treatment.
4. When performed to document condition of facilities, or compliance or animal handling issues at the direction of WSU officials, the IACUC, Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) staff, or representatives of federal agencies.
5. When performed by outside interests (e.g., individuals and organizations other than those listed in exceptions 1-3), if approved at least five (5) business days in advance by the IO, the Dean of the PI's College, WSU Research Communications office, the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center (where applicable), and, where the recording is to be performed in a DLAR facility, by a DLAR Veterinarian.
   1. The written request should include justification for the audio/video recording, a description of what will be recorded (including species), who will be performing the recording, the proposed date and time of the recording, and scope of the distribution.  See Approval for Use of Outside Vendor for Animal Photo/Video Form.
   2. When all required notifications are documented and the written request is approved, the IO (or designee) will notify the outside interest. Requests may be denied if presented without sufficient notice or when the University determines that the risk is not acceptable.

Images and/or audio/visual recordings may not be posted to any type of social media including laboratory websites, except as published (Exceptions 2 and 5 above), without express written permission from the IO (in consultation with the IACUC and a DLAR Veterinarian) and WSU Research Communications offices.

Appropriate and accurate context must always be shown when any recordings are made, including but not limited to the following: (if an animal is anesthetized or sedated, all IACUC policies must be followed; personnel must be wearing required personal protective equipment appropriate for the work appearing in the image).

For privacy and security purposes, no identifying landmarks, facility location, or security measures (e.g., room numbers, workers' name badges/IDs, security camera locations) may be shown in any images.  Personnel may not be photographed without their express permission.

Approved: 10/2022