Concern Reporting

An Animal Concern is any observation, allegation, question, or suspicion regarding animal care, animal use, protocol compliance, or program operations that may warrant review by the IACUC. Such concerns include (but are not limited to) potential deficiencies in animal care, suspected noncompliance with approved protocols or regulations, inappropriate handling of animals, or conditions that may adversely affect animal welfare. Concerns may be raised by research personnel, animal care staff, students, or members of the public and may be reported regardless of whether the issue has been confirmed.

Montclair Policy on Animal Welfare Concerns

If you have an animal welfare concern that you would like to report to the IACUC, please fill out the Animal Welfare Concern Report Form via Qualtrics:

Concern Report Form

If you, as the person filing the form, wish to be informed of the actions taken in response to the report, please include your contact information on the form. Otherwise, you may remain anonymous. In all cases, your concern will be handled confidentially to the extent reasonably possible. 

The Animal Welfare Act provides that, “No facility employee, committee member, or laboratory personnel shall be discriminated against or be subject to any reprisal for reporting violations of any regulations or standards under the Act.” (9 CFR § 2.32(c)(4)).

In compliance with New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act (or “Whistleblower Act”), Montclair State will not retaliate against anyone for reporting or inquiring in good faith about potential policy breaches or for seeking guidance on how to handle suspected breaches.

Upon submission of the report, the IACUC Office Staff will review the report, make the appropriate notifications and begin the investigation. If immediate or urgent veterinary care is required, the IO and Veterinarian will be immediately contacted and will take appropriate action.

If you do not wish to submit the online form via Qualtrics, you may also send an email to IACUC@montclair.edu.