Photography, Videography, Social Media and Outreach of Animal Research

Photography, Videography, Social Media and Outreach of Animal Research

Number: IACUC-POL-023 

Responsible Office: Office of Research and Creative Scholarship (ORCS) 

Applies to: All personnel engaged in UM-sponsored animal analysis or outreach.

1. Purpose

This coverage applies to all college, employees, and college students, together with their visitors, engaged in UM-sponsored animal analysis, whether or not on campus or within the subject. The coverage outlines the suitable situations required for images or videography of animal topics utilized in any UM-sponsored animal analysis venture. It is designed to guard animal welfare, safeguard analysis integrity, and guarantee compliance with institutional, regulatory, and funding company requirements. 

2. Policy

General Restrictions (All Settings)

All images or videography of animals utilized in UM-sponsored analysis—whether or not within the subject, within the lab, or in LAR services—is prohibited, topic to the next exceptions: 

IACUC Approval – Photography/videography procedures and supposed makes use of have to be described in an IACUC-approved Animal Use Protocol (AUP). 

1. No photos might embody figuring out data (e.g., cage playing cards with animal or PI identifiers, constructing/room numbers) except obligatory for documentation and appropriately redacted earlier than any exterior use.
2. All photos or movies below an accredited AUP have to be saved in accordance with UM information safety protocols.
3. Unauthorized distribution, copying, or storage of photos is strictly prohibited.

Animal Welfare Reporting – Photography/videography could also be used to report animal welfare issues to the Attending Veterinarian (AV) or IACUC Manager, offered photos are transmitted in a well timed method and deleted from any private/non-UM-owned gadgets after switch. 

• LAR employees might take and ship images to doc points resembling cage harm, environmental hazards, or euthanasia verification for compliance functions.

Compliance Documentation – Photography/videography could also be used to allow the IACUC Manager, AV, or LAR Manager to fulfill federal, state, native, college, or accreditation compliance necessities. 

Additional Requirements for Field Studies

For subject analysis involving wild or free-ranging animals, the next allowances and restrictions apply: 

1. Outreach and Public Educational Use – Photography/videography for public outreach or academic functions could also be permitted if accredited by the Principal Investigator and:
   • Images depict animals in a fashion according to humane and moral remedy and don’t misrepresent analysis actions.
   • No photos depict gross harm, invasive procedures, or seen misery supposed for public dissemination. For instance, in avian analysis, solely images or movies of birds present process routine dealing with and banding could also be posted publicly.
   • Images of procedures or visibly pressured/injured animals are prohibited for outreach use and should solely be taken for inside scientific, coaching, or compliance documentation.
   • Exceptions to the above necessities could also be accredited by the IACUC committee on a case by case foundation.
2. Social Media Limitations – Photos or movies taken below this part is probably not posted to social media or public web sites with out prior approval from the PI and have to be according to the AUP-approved description.
   • If content material is discovered to violate this coverage, the Institutional Official (IO), IACUC Chair, or IACUC Manager might require its removing inside 24 hours. Failure to conform might end in suspension of the AUP and enhanced oversight of future media.

Principal Investigator Required Acknowledgement for Field Studies that use Photography/Videography for Outreach or Education

Acknowledgement might be made in Cayuse below the sector examine part: 

I acknowledge that images and/or video obtained throughout this examine might be used solely for outreach and academic functions as accredited within the AUP. Images will depict animals in a fashion according to humane and moral remedy and won’t misrepresent analysis actions. All images might be carried out in compliance with accredited protocol procedures, relevant legal guidelines, and institutional pointers to make sure animal welfare is maintained always.  

Additional Requirements for UM-branded, Institutional Published Outreach and Media

• All requests for UM-branded or institutionally revealed outreach (e.g., public displays, academic applications, group engagement) or media protection (e.g., press releases, interviews, filming, images) involving animals in analysis have to be submitted upfront to the IACUC Office, a minimum of 10 days previous to publication date.
  • The IACUC workplace will guarantee 1). All work was carried out below an IACUC accredited protocol 2). PI approval to make use of photos has been obtained 2). Images are according to the necessities listed above. The IACUC workplace will reply with approval or request modifications earlier than the usage of photos.

Prohibited Uses

Any images/videography made exterior the exceptions listed above is strictly prohibited. It is the duty of all Principal Investigators to make sure that their analysis personnel and visitors perceive and comply with this coverage.

3. Violation of Policy

Failure to stick to this coverage might end in disciplinary motion, together with revocation of facility entry, suspension of analysis actions, or different sanctions below college coverage and relevant agreements. Repeated or willful violations could also be reported to regulatory businesses and should have an effect on particular person or institutional standing with funding businesses. 

4. Review and Approval and Version History

Review and approval model historical past for this coverage

Version	Date	Description of Changes	Approved By
1.0	September 9, 2025	Initial coverage creation	IACUC Committee