Home Page |
Stop Animal
Exploitation NOW!
USDA Complaints
Letter to USDA in regard to major violations at MPI Research Facility
Dr. Elizabeth Goldentyer
04/18/08 Dr. Goldentyer, I am contacting you today in reference to the MPI Research (registration number 34-R-0031) facility in Mattawan, MI. Since my last correspondence regarding this facility I have been contacted by several more whistleblowers, who have made statements which have again raised serious questions about this facility. I officially request that you investigate these new issues immediately. One of the whistleblowers said: �I have seen people let sick animals go on sick when they should have taking out vet consults but I think the truth is there isn't enough staff.� The issues raised by the new whistleblowers regard falsification of records involving the origin of the primates used at MPI, who reportedly came from the Covance Corporation. According to the whistleblowers it was readily apparent that primates labeled as captive bred were really wild caught. For example, necropsies on these animals revealed metal pellets, from the animals being shot at, which we would assume would never happen with captive bred animals. Other potential falsifications involved the age of the primates, which has the potential to invalidate many research studies. Allegedly primates are being used before quarantine periods are completed, potentially risking the health of the staff at MPI. We have also been told that in many instances the researchers at MPI refuse to euthanize animals in drug studies virtually no matter what condition they are in. Dogs and even young puppies with blood-smeared cages from severely prolapsed rectums were left to suffer. Rats with teeth so severely overgrown that the pierced the roofs of their mouths are not cared for properly. Similar situations exist with monkeys and other species as well. I know that your office considers major violations of the Animal Welfare Act to be very serious in nature, especially when these violations directly impact the lives of animals and potentially endanger public safety. The treatment of animals at this facility illustrates attitudes of carelessness and contempt for regulations that must be punished so that meaningful changes can be made. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future about the fate
of this facility. Sincerely,
Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., See Facility Reports and Information to learn more about MPI Research Facility Return to USDA Complaints |
We welcome your comments
and questions
This site is hosted and maintained by:
The Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation
Thank you for visiting all-creatures.org.
Since