Animal use in science at the University of Toronto
In addition to having to hold a GAP certificate, there is also provincial legislation that must be followed. In Ontario, all animal facilities are registered in accordance with the provincial Animals for Research Act which is enforced by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Governmental veterinary inspectors perform regular unannounced visits at U of T and other institutions to assess compliance with the legal requirements.
U of T also has a dedicated team working exclusively on the ethical and humane oversight of animals. Additionally, ethics oversight committees, the University Animal Care Committee (UACC) and Local Animal Care Committees (LACC), oversee animal use to ensure it is ethical and humane.
The University of Toronto is committed to the highest standards related to animal use in science and insists on the humane and ethical treatment of any animals used. Animal studies are not approved when there are suitable non-animal alternatives.