What must a facility do if they wish to suspend an animal study?

When a facility wishes to suspend an animal study, ensuring a full quorum review of the activity is essential. This means that a majority of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) must be involved in the decision-making process, which is crucial for maintaining compliance with the Animal Welfare Act regulations. A quorum review ensures that the decision undergoes thorough scrutiny and is made with input from multiple perspectives, which aligns with ethical standards and institutional policies.

The involvement of the IACUC is particularly important because they are responsible for overseeing all aspects of animal research conducted at an institution, including the welfare of the animals involved and adherence to approved protocols. This process not only protects the welfare of the animals but also helps ensure that any decisions made regarding the study suspension are justified and transparent.

Other options may appear relevant but do not align with the necessary regulatory framework for suspending an animal study. For example, requesting a review from the USDA is not a typical requirement for an internal decision made by a facility, while communicating with the public is generally not a prerequisite for procedural matters under the Animal Welfare Act. Lastly, returning animals to shelters does not directly pertain to the procedural requirements that must be followed when suspending a study. Thus, the requirement for a