BACKGROUND

This policy expands on the WSU "Environmental Enrichment and Behavioral and Social Management of Research Animals" as it relates to canines. The requirement for the exercise of dogs is set forth under section 13(a)(2)(B) of the AWA (7 U.S.C., 2143). The standards for the exercise of dogs are set forth in 9 CFR, Chapter 1, Subchapter A - Animal Welfare, Part 3, Section 3.8.

IACUC POLICY

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee requires that all canines participate in this program. If, in the opinion of a veterinarian, any portion of this Canine Exercise and Environmental Enrichment policy is deemed inappropriate for certain dogs due to their health, condition, or well-being, such dogs will be exempted from applicable portions of the plan. Such exemptions will comply with section 3.8 (d) (1) and (3) of the USDA Exercise for Dogs regulations. Certain dogs may be exempted from portions of this policy by a veterinarian on behalf of the Principal Investigator providing such exemptions comply with section 3.8 (d) (2) and (3) of the USDA Exercise for Dogs regulations.

IACUC Guidelines

Exercise Plan

• Whenever possible, dogs are to be group housed with compatible conspecifics.
• Whenever possible, individual dogs will be housed in runs providing two times or greater than the required floor space.
• Group-housed dogs will be housed in runs providing at least the minimum of required floor space per dog.
• Whenever possible, extra exercise time will be provided in an exercise room when space permits or in the form of leash walks.
• All exercise opportunities will be conducted in a fashion that best safeguards the health and safety of all dogs.
• Additional opportunities for exercise will be provided for dogs over 12 weeks of age held for over 7 days and housed individually in enclosures that provide less than two times the required floor space per dog.

Environmental Enrichment Plan

• All dogs will participate in the enrichment plan.
• All dogs will be provided with two species-appropriate toys/manipulanda items at all times.
• All dogs will be provided with beds, whenever possible.
• All dogs will be provided with visual and auditory sensory contact with other dogs when in regular housing conditions, whenever possible.
• All dogs will receive treats (i.e. canned food, commercial treats) at least once per week.
• Individually housed dogs will be provided with daily human interaction.
• Whenever possible, Individually housed dogs will be provided with direct visualization of conspecifics and offered social experiences if temperament allows.
• Sound machines producing nature sounds will play in the animal rooms. Volume will be set at low/medium and an automatic timer will be utilized and set to coincide with light cycle.

Reference

A plan for canine exercise is required by the USDA Animal and Health Inspection Service; Animal Welfare Act-Subchapter A; 9 CFR Ch.ll (1.1.01 Edition); section 3.8 Exercise for dogs.

Approved: August 2008

Revisions Approved: 12/2012, 10/2017, 12/2019, 5/2023