f6098d8b__and_Use_of_Laboratory_Animals__Comments
[ID] 419 [Entry Date] 04/22/2011 at 12:35:13 PM [Affiliation] Self [Comments] 
Comment 1: I am quite concerned about the proposed increases in required cage sizes. I sit on a university committee related to animal use, and can say from that experience that space allocation for animal research is a huge concern. As I'm sure is true for many other institutions, we include additional vivarium space with any new building project to stay ahead of demand. However, the new space would be woefully inadequate to address the new standards. Further, all institutions are heavily invested in caging. Replacement of current caging systems would require an enormous amount of funding. It seems to me the justification given for these new requirements is insufficient, considering their impact. Comment 2: I can't imagine that institutions could possibly put into effect the changes that this program would require in less than a year's time. Further, I would hope the regulations will be significantly revised before they must be used by anyone.
Listing of Public Comments on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals