On October 21, 2021, Princeton University provided a report of non-compliance to the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare of the National Institutes of Health concerning a mouse found dead by a Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) veterinary staff member. The previous day, the mouse had presented with clinical concerns and was provided food and water, but the mouse’s condition was not reported to LAR veterinary services as required by the animal care protocol. Following an investigation, LAR and the Research Integrity and Assurance (RIA) staff provided additional training to the laboratory study members regarding the importance of following approved protocol and notifying veterinary services with concerns. Princeton’s RIA department will continue to monitor the laboratory for compliance.
 
The University is dedicated to providing humane care for animals in research and teaching. Animal research provides insights into a range of biological processes and diseases, and has the potential to inform the search for treatments for cancer, neurological disorders and many other conditions. Animals are used in research when no alternatives exist to address specific scientific questions.