Animal Welfare Concerns

Who to Contact Regarding: Animal Welfare Concerns

The Animal Care and Use Committee is mandated to evaluate concerns, raised by anyone, regarding the care and use of animals at Johns Hopkins University. If you suspect mistreatment of animals or noncompliance with approved protocols, University policies, local, state or federal regulations please contact the Animal Care and Use Committee or the Institutional Veterinarian immediately. The contact can be made by email, telephone, or in person. Individuals making the report do not have to identify themselves, unless they wish to do so.

The Animal Care and Use committee can be reached by email at acuc@jhmi.edu. During regular business hours, the attending veterinarian or designee can be reached at Ross 459, or by telephone at 410-955-3273.  For after hours and holidays, an on-call veterinarian can be reached at 443-904-4332. Reports can also be made anonymously through the Johns Hopkins Compliance Line, an independently administered, toll-free hot line at 1-877-932-6675 (1-877-WE COMPLY).

All concerns will be investigated. The minimum report must include nature of compliant, location of where the activity being reported occurred, date and approximate time of the incident. Whenever possible, indicate the name of the individuals involved in the activity and a protocol number if known.

Mistreatment is physical or psychological, wrongful or abusive treatment of an animal. Noncompliance means that procedures or policies are not being followed, and this may be willful or stem from confusion or misunderstanding.

The Animal Welfare Acts protects the rights of individuals reporting animal welfare concerns and prohibits discrimination against or reprisal for reporting violations of regulations or standards under the Animal Welfare Act.