University Guidelines

Regulations will vary at the university level and depend largely on the specific type of university. For example, land grant universities, research universities and universities with an animal science or vet program are more likely to already have an established set of protocols for the use of livestock on campus grounds.

Generally, animal research in a university setting is guided by two national organizations:

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
The organization responsible for overseeing all research and instruction involving vertebrate animals. Prior to the start of any project involving animals, the principal investigator must submit a written summary of the animal use protocol for evaluation to ensure that all animal welfare standards are met through federal, state, and university laws and regulations.

USDA Animal Welfare Act
The federal law that establishes the requirements for the humane treatment for animals that are exhibited to the public, sold as pets, used in research, or transported commercially. When using animals in a university setting, one must be prepared to pass unannounced inspection of facilities compliance by a USDA inspector.

For the Sheepmowers Project at UC Davis, project investigators were required to apply for and receive an approved animal use protocol from IACUC before any prescribed grazing was allowed on campus (See appendix XX for a copy of the approved application). Requirements of the protocol included animal safety and welfare training for all project participants and a constant human presence on site with the sheep (shepherds) at all times.