Public Notice No. 9790

PUBLIC NOTICE

Purpose: It is the policy of Eastern Wyoming College (College) to assure the care and use of animals for teaching and research is done in a safe, humane, and ethically responsible manner. All activities with animals will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws or regulations, including the Federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) as administered by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
The College will utilize the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide), Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, National Research Council, to implement and evaluate its animal care program. If applicable, additional program requirements made by accrediting agencies will also be followed.
This policy applies to all employees, students, and college affiliates who use animals in teaching, or research under EWC sponsorship or funding, or administrative authority. In accordance with USDA-APHIS guidelines, the scope of federal regulation and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol oversight is defined as follows:

• Regulated Activities: Direct oversight by the IACUC and formal protocol review requirements apply strictly to college-owned regulated species (e.g., guinea pigs, gerbils, chinchillas) and college-owned farm animals utilized for non-traditional agricultural, basic science, or biomedical instruction.
• Non-Regulated Activities: Activities operating under a Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)—including client-owned patient animals, shelter or pound service agreements (e.g., spay/neuter programs), farm animals used strictly for standard agricultural production management teaching, and exempt species (rats, mice, and birds)—are exempt from IACUC protocol approval and USDA Animal Welfare Act reporting.
All covered personnel are required to comply with established administrative regulations, IACUC guidelines, and veterinary care standards. Failure to comply with federal regulations or institutional policy may result in administrative sanctions, up to and including the suspension of privileges to utilize animals in college activities, institutional disciplinary action, or loss of project approval.

Original Adoption Date: Adopted 8/11/15 Revision Date(s): 10/10/11 (RN)

Date reviewed, no change:

Invitation for Public Comment. Eastern Wyoming College invites students, staff, and community members to submit written comments regarding college policies. Please direct all comments, feedback, or inquiries to Lynda Dean via email at ldean@ewc.wy.edu. Submission Deadline: October 30, 2026.

Public Notice No. 9790 published in The Torrington Telegram on September 18, 25 and October 2, 2026.