USDA cites Harvard's Primate Center for Another Negligent Death; Watchdog Group Again Calls for Federal Fine as Harvard Death Toll reaches 5

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


Please contact Elizabeth Goldentyer to demand that Harvard Medical School receive the largest fine possible under the Animal Welfare Act for the negligence which killed a monkey during an imaging procedure.

This is the fourth time in just over 1 1/2 years that negligence at the Medical School has killed a primate. During the same time period Harvard University negligence killed a goat, and negligence at two Harvard Medical School affiliated Hospitals killed another five animals.

So far the USDA has issued only an Official Warning against Harvard's Medical School. Clearly USDA inaction has contributed to the continuing deaths at these facilities.

Please insist that the USDA issue a fine, and let Dr. Goldentyer know that you hold her personally responsible for the USDA's inaction, and the deaths of these animals. She MUST take action now!
Dr. Elizabeth Goldentyer 
USDA/APHIS/AC
920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 2000
Raleigh, NC 27606
919-855-7100
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Contact: Michael Budkie, SAEN www.saenonline.org, [email protected], (513) 575-5517

Attn: Assignment Desk

USDA cites Harvard's Primate Center for Another Negligent Death; Watchdog Group Again Calls for Federal Fine as Harvard Death Toll reaches 5

BOSTON/SOUTHBOROUGH, MA – Recently released federal reports reveal that a January 31, 2012, USDA inspection cited Harvard’s Primate Research Center for unqualified personnel, improper animal handling, and inadequate primary enclosures.
 
On December 26th two primates were discovered to be severely dehydrated, one was killed while the second recovered.  In a separate incident on January 31st the leg of a monkey was broken when a door was closed on it.  The Primate Center is also cited for a December 18th incident in which two primates escaped from their cages, and one of the animals was injured.
 
Stop Animal Exploitation Now will be filing an Official Complaint against the Harvard Medical School to request an additional investigation of the death of this primate.
 
“Clearly it is time for major punitive action against Harvard,” added Budkie. “The USDA must issue a fine against this facility.  Harvard is needlessly killing animals.”
 
“It is unlikely that a mechanical malfunction affected only these two animals with loss of access to water.  Federal reports reveal that Harvard routinely deprives 61 primates of water for extended periods of time.  It is possible that these two primates suffered more from these incidents because they were already water deprived before any malfunctions occurred," stated Michael Budkie. 
 
Additionally, the five deaths within Harvard (3 monkeys at the primate center, 1 monkey at medical school, 1 goat at university) itself are not the only incidents of negligence.  Five other animals have died within Harvard–affiliated McLean Hospital and Brigham & Woman’s hospital. 
 
“A veritable epidemic of negligence is sweeping these four facilities,” added Budkie.  “Ten animals have now needlessly died in just over 18 months.  It is long past time for federal fines against Harvard.”
 
The USDA inspection report is attached to this press release.
 
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