Permission for him to use animals in his research was suspended last January, pending a recently completed investigation that determined he had inappropriately obtained 41 dogs from an out-of-state research institution the previous month and transferred them to an unauthorized boarding kennel.
The suspension was ordered by the campus's animal use and care committee within one day of learning of the irregularities.
The dogs, which were to have been used for future research, were safely returned to their home institute. The kennel where they were temporarily housed was reimbursed for their board and veterinary care.
The faculty member will be required to complete a program reviewing the proper use and care of animals in campus research. He has also agreed to present a policy refresher for departmental colleagues. Both activities are to be completed by Jan. 1.
"The faculty member has taken his responsibilities in this matter seriously and has worked cooperatively with the university to assure that no harm resulted from his actions and that appropriate safeguards are in place for the future," said Carol Tomlinson-Keasey, vice provost for academic planning and personnel.
The National Institutes of Health, which funds the faculty member's research, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which monitors the use of animals in research, were notified of the suspension and the investigation's findings and will be alerted when the training program has been completed, according to Vice Chancellor for Research Robert Shelton.
"I think that, for the agencies, this is just a minor incident that we are handling well," Shelton said.
