RESPONSIBILITY FOR HUMANE ANIMAL RESEARCH (cont)
The P.I. must regularly monitor all phases of the experiment to ensure that animals are consistently treated with "compassion, sympathy and consideration." He or she should take time to visit the laboratory and animal rooms to ensure that technicians, graduate students or others associated with the experiment know and follow established humane practices. The scientist cannot permit substandard animal treatment for any reason.
The investigator should not delegate the responsibility of conducting experimental procedures on animals to inexperienced research technicians or students. An individual with a bachelor's degree, for example in biology, may not have been trained in humane techniques and may not be prepared to function without supervision or training. In addition to "on the job" experience - a training program must be available.