Skip to main content
Office of Research and Innovation
Research Administration and Compliance

NC State IACUC Standard on Photography and Videography of Animals

This standard provides guidelines for capturing of both still and moving images of animals owned by NC State. All persons involved with the care and/or use of animals in research and/or teaching at the University including, but not limited to Principal Investigators, researchers, animal handlers, and students.

Standard

The following standard specifies under what conditions photography and videography (henceforth called “images”) are permitted within IACUC-approved animal use spaces. This standard was created to protect all personnel working with or animals participating in an IACUC-approved study. 

In addition, with the increase in access to and use of social media via mobile phones and other electronic devices, the intent of this standard  is to protect the security and privacy of the institution, the principal investigators/research staff, compliance staff, and animal care staff from inappropriate photography and videography within facilities. All acquired video and still images are considered property of the university and as such are subject to public records requests.

Photographing, video recording, and audio recording animals or animal facilities is prohibited, subject to the following exceptions:

  • For purposes directly related to the corresponding approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) animal use protocol.
  • For vivarium operations or veterinary medical purposes performed by qualified staff, including training or documentation of clinical cases.
  • For University Communications-approved outreach, marketing, promotions, and communication purposes 
  • Educational usage in IACUC-approved NCSU courses.

General Considerations for All Images

  • Photographing, video recording, and audio recording animals or animal facilities may be done only with NC State resources and/or pursuant to a specific work assignment.
  • Recording devices may not include audio unless in the form of a voice over or the request for audio has been approved by the IACUC. 
  • Recording devices must be sanitized prior to entry to animal housing. Contact unit/facility supervisor for further details. 
  • Images must show appropriate and accurate contexts.
  • Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn by all persons in all images.
  • All attempts must be made to have animals in clean surroundings – clean cages or clean pens with clean accessories. 
  • Water bottles and feeders must be full if visible in the image. 
  • All IACUC-approved policies, SOPs, and guidelines must be followed.
  • Images of personnel require approval of each individual recorded. 
  • Appropriate handling and restraint methods for the species must be used. 
  • The smallest portion of the animal, surface, or room must be shown whenever possible. 
  • Images must be downloaded onto a computer on a secure network and deleted from the device immediately after use. 
  • Images are not allowed to be posted on any social media sites.
  • People unaffiliated with the university (non-faculty, staff, or students) may need to complete the Campus Filming Agreement.
  • The IACUC may revoke any permission for taking images at any time for any reason.

Taking Images of Dead or Live Animals for Education/Research Purposes

The planned photography/videography for any university-owned animal must be described in the related IACUC approved protocol or facility SOP. If adding planned photography/videography, the lab must submit an amendment describing the activity.

  • Information that must be included in the protocol:
    • Description and purpose of images
    • The device used to record 
    • Retention on images
  • Investigators may require images of live university-owned animals under study only as a necessary component for data collection or demonstration of a unique/novel method for scholarly publication, presentations, conferences or other public forums where unauthorized individuals may view such images/video.
  • Persons who have a recognized need to audit or inspect animal care activities, such as USDA, NIH, AAALAC, IACUC, etc. may take images as necessary to document conditions or situations.
    • A camera must be used; cell phones should not be used to take photographs. Images can  be taken only as an official part of the inspection. 
    • Recordings will not be distributed or used in any way other than as supporting evidence for an official site inspection report. 
  • General public photography of live or dead animals is not permitted in any case.

Publication of Animal Images

No specific permission is required to publish approved, researcher-made images of university-owned or managed animals in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

  • Submission of images for publication in other types of written or electronic media requires prior clearance from University Communications and the University Attending Veterinarian UAV approval.

Taking Images of Live or Dead Animals/Tissues for Clinical Veterinary Purposes

Photographs, audio/video recordings, or live streaming of animals is permissible for the purpose of facilitating veterinary treatment or diagnosis. The UAV or designated primary site veterinarian, should communicate imaging needs prior to image capture/sharing. 

Photographs, audio/video recordings, or live streaming of animals for external consultation related to facilitating veterinary treatment or diagnosis is permissible. It is the veterinarian’s responsibility to first discuss this option with, and receive permission from, the Principal Investigator. When photography/video sharing is performed, it must follow the general consideration guidelines as outlined above.

Photography of animals to document disease states for veterinary or internal educational purposes are only permitted if requested by the UAV.

Taking Images of Live or Dead Animals/Tissues for Documentation of Animal Welfare Concern

No specific permission is required to take pictures to document an animal welfare concern.

References