Federal Warning issued against OSU for 3 animal Deaths; Watchdog Group Calls Enforcement action Meaningless

Press Release
From Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!
S. A. E. N.
"Exposing the truth to wipe out animal experimentation"


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday,  February 15, 2012
Contact: Michael Budkie, SAEN www.saenonline.org, [email protected], (513) 575-5517

Attn: Assignment Desk

Federal Warning issued against OSU for 3 animal Deaths; Watchdog Group Calls Enforcement action Meaningless

CORVALLIS, OR – Recently obtained federal records reveal that the USDA/APHIS/AC today issued an Official Warning against Oregon State University for the negligent deaths of three rabbits.

Previously obtained federal reports reveal the violations of the Animal Welfare Act which negligently killed three rabbits within the labs of Oregon State University.

The USDA report states: “ . . . two rabbits were found to have broken legs after a time in an exercise pen. . . . The first incident resulted in euthanasia and retraining of staff. Later, the second rabbit was diagnosed with a fractured femur. A rabbit was euthanized, but it turns out it wasn’t the injured rabbit, the injured rabbit was later discovered still in the cage, and the identification error was discovered.”

The report cites OSU for inadequate veterinary care including and improper handling of animals.

Outraged by this clear negligence, research watchdog group SAEN had previously contacted the USDA to insist on a fine. “If laboratories do not pay a financial penalty when animals die unnecessarily, then what WILL justify a fine? This laboratory not only negligently injured and killed one animal, but later in a similar situation after another injury, euthanized the wrong animal,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director SAEN. “How seriously will they take an enforcement action that really has no penalty?”

The USDA inspection report and warning document are available upon request from SAEN.

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