91´ÎÔª

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 research or outreach.

1. Purpose 

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, and students, including their guests, engaged in UM-sponsored animal research, whether on campus or in the field. The policy outlines the appropriate conditions required for photography or videography of animal subjects used in any UM-sponsored animal research project. It is designed to protect animal welfare, safeguard research integrity, and ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, and funding agency standards. 

2. Policy

General Restrictions (All Settings)

All photography or videography of animals used in UM-sponsored research—whether in the field, in the lab, or in LAR facilities—is prohibited, subject to the following exceptions: 

IACUC Approval – Photography/videography procedures and intended uses must be described in an IACUC-approved Animal Use Protocol (AUP). 

1. No images may include identifying information (e.g., cage cards with animal or PI identifiers, building/room numbers) unless necessary for documentation and appropriately redacted before any external use. 
2. All images or videos under an approved AUP must be stored in accordance with UM data security protocols. 
3. Unauthorized distribution, copying, or storage of images is strictly prohibited. 

Animal Welfare Reporting – Photography/videography may be used to report animal welfare concerns to the Attending Veterinarian (AV) or IACUC Manager, provided images are transmitted in a timely manner and deleted from any personal/non-UM-owned devices after transfer. 

• LAR staff may take and send photographs to document issues such as cage damage, environmental hazards, or euthanasia verification for compliance purposes. 

Compliance Documentation – Photography/videography may be used to enable the IACUC Manager, AV, or LAR Manager to meet federal, state, local, university, or accreditation compliance requirements. 

Additional Requirements for Field Studies

For field research involving wild or free-ranging animals, the following allowances and restrictions apply: 

1. Outreach and Public Educational Use – Photography/videography for public outreach or educational purposes may be permitted if approved by the Principal Investigator and: 
   • Images depict animals in a manner consistent with humane and ethical treatment and do not misrepresent research activities. 
   • No images depict gross injury, invasive procedures, or visible distress intended for public dissemination. For example, in avian research, only photographs or videos of birds undergoing routine handling and banding may be posted publicly. 
   • Images of procedures or visibly stressed/injured animals are prohibited for outreach use and may only be taken for internal scientific, training, or compliance documentation. 
   • Exceptions to the above requirements may be approved by the IACUC committee on a case by case basis.  
2. Social Media Limitations – Photos or videos taken under this section may not be posted to social media or public websites without prior approval from the PI and must be consistent with the AUP-approved description. 
   • If content is found to violate this policy, the Institutional Official (IO), IACUC Chair, or IACUC Manager may require its removal within 24 hours. Failure to comply may result 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 will be made in Cayuse under the field study section: 

I acknowledge that photographs and/or video obtained during this study will be used solely for outreach and educational purposes as approved in the AUP. Images will depict animals in a manner consistent with humane and ethical treatment and will not misrepresent research activities. All photography will be conducted in compliance with approved protocol procedures, applicable laws, and institutional guidelines to ensure animal welfare is maintained at all times.  

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

• All requests for UM-branded or institutionally published outreach (e.g., public presentations, educational programs, community engagement) or media coverage (e.g., press releases, interviews, filming, photography) involving animals in research must be submitted in advance to the IACUC Office, at least 10 days prior to publication date. 
  • The IACUC office will ensure 1). All work was performed under an IACUC approved protocol 2). PI approval to use images has been obtained 2). Images are consistent with the requirements listed above. The IACUC office will respond with approval or request modifications before the use of images.  

Prohibited Uses

Any photography/videography made outside the exceptions listed above is strictly prohibited. It is the responsibility of all Principal Investigators to ensure that their research personnel and guests understand and follow this policy.

3. Violation of Policy

Failure to adhere to this policy may result in disciplinary action, including revocation of facility access, suspension of research activities, or other sanctions under university policy and applicable agreements. Repeated or willful violations may be reported to regulatory agencies and may affect individual or institutional standing with funding agencies. 

4. Review and Approval and Version History  

Review and approval version history for this policy

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