Animal Welfare Commission

Prof. Dr. Rahşan ÖZEN (President)

Prof. Dr. Mustafa ISSI

Prof. Dr. Gulcihan SIMSEK

Prof. Dr. Abdurrauf YÜCE

Prof. Dr. Mustafa SONMEZ

Assist. Prof. Dr/Lecturer Hanifi YALÇIN

Student Representative (Doğukan USLU)

Duties of the Animal Welfare Commission

• The commission is formed by the dean and begins its duties with the approval of the faculty board. The Dean chairs the Commission when necessary.
• It determines the animal welfare principles to be implemented in the faculty; develops policies in accordance with the relevant national and international legislation (Veterinary Ethics, Council of Europe Conventions, FELASA, EAEVE, etc.).
• The practical course regularly evaluates the care conditions of animals used in laboratories and clinics; supervises the implementation of the principle of “no first practice on a live animal” and the use of skill laboratories in accordance with this purpose.
• Ensures the protection of animal welfare during student internships, field practices and external clinics.
• Monitors the compliance of shelter, nutrition, treatment and euthanasia processes with ethical principles in shelters, clinics and care areas affiliated with the faculty.
• It evaluates the physical conditions and care protocols of temporary care areas created for stray animals; it offers improvement suggestions regarding the materials used, hygiene and socialization opportunities.
• Organises training and information activities for students and staff on animal welfare, ethics, stress management and environmental enrichment.
• Monitors animal welfare violations, evaluates them impartially and submits an annual report to the faculty administration.
• Violation notifications from students, academic and technical staff are reviewed with the principles of confidentiality and impartiality.
• It develops joint projects by collaborating with national and international animal welfare organizations.
• The commission meets at least twice a year; decisions are recorded in minutes and summary information is published on the faculty website.
• Members continue their duties until a new appointment is made; new appointments are made by the dean's office to replace members who leave.
• Members are required to attend meetings, and those who do not attend without a valid excuse will be subject to evaluation.