Commitment to Animal Welfare

At Orsi Academy, animal welfare and the wellbeing of our laboratory animals are a top priority.

Training activities involving living animals are conducted only after approval by an independent ethics committee through Ghent University and in compliance with applicable Belgian and European legislation. We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and expect all participants to uphold the same standards throughout their training activities.

 

Participant Responsibilities

When working with a living anaesthetised animal, participants must comply with the following requirements:

  • Always treat the animal with respect and demonstrate professionalism and sensitivity towards the value of animal life.
  • Abuse, neglect, or any form of inhumane treatment of an animal is strictly prohibited.
  • Photography or video recording of animals is not permitted unless explicitly authorised by Orsi Academy.
  • Do not deviate from the established surgical protocol. No additional procedures may be performed without prior approval from the ethics committee.
  • Consult the veterinary staff whenever there is uncertainty regarding a procedure or intervention.
  • Notify the veterinary staff before changing the animal's position (e.g. supine, prone, lateral recumbency, Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg).
  • Notify the veterinary staff before repositioning the operating room table.
  • Notify the veterinary staff immediately in the event of haemorrhage.
  • Notify the veterinary staff immediately in the event of urine leakage.
  • In the Trendelenburg position, the animal may be tilted to a maximum angle of 17 degrees. Any deviation requires prior approval from the veterinary staff.
  • During the creation of a pneumoperitoneum, an insufflation pressure of up to 15 mmHg is permitted during port placement. During the surgical procedure, the pressure must be reduced to 8 mmHg. Any deviation requires prior approval from the veterinary staff.

 

Authority of Veterinary Staff

The veterinary staff has the authority to interrupt, suspend, or terminate any procedure at any time if this is deemed necessary to protect the health, safety, or welfare of the animal.

 

Compliance

Participation in activities involving living animals requires compliance with this Animal Welfare Policy. By participating, individuals acknowledge that they have read and understood these requirements and agree to follow all applicable animal welfare rules and instructions provided by Orsi Academy and its veterinary staff.