http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/injured-animals-killed-at-mpi-research

Injured animals killed at MPI Research

By Henry Erb, WoodTV,com, September 8, 2011

Inspection report shows possible federal violation

Updated: Thursday, 08 Sep 2011, 6:24 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 08 Sep 2011, 4:33 PM EDT

MATTAWAN, Mich. (WOOD) - A national advocacy group is speaking out after a Kalamazoo County research program company injured four animals so badly that the animals had to be euthanized.

The company is called MPI Research and it is based in Mattawan, an area just outside of Kalamazoo.

An August inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found a possible violation of federal rules involving the death of four research animals.

According to the inspection report, since the last inspection in January, a review of animal records showed that four animals sustained injuries subsequent to being handled for study purposes. Those four animals were killed as a result of their injuries.

A USDA spokesperson confirmed Thursday in a new release that the animals killed by MPI were two primates, one dog and one pig. The same source confirmed that the August citation was a result of a complaint filed by the Stop Animal Exploitation Now (SAEN) group in 2010.

In a statement obtained by 24 Hour News 8, MPI said:

"MPI Research’s commitment to a humane and ethical work environment is at the core of our support to develop groundbreaking new medicines and cures for mankind. We continually work with agencies such as the USDA to develop and maintain the highest standards required by law and regulations. As a global leader in preclinical drug development, our employees work to ensure the highest standards of care as MPI Research seeks medical breakthroughs necessary to treat the diseases that afflict millions of people and animals around the world."

Last November, the national organization SAEN released what it described as internal company documents that showed fifteen monkeys suffered fractures in 2008 and 2009 at MPI Research and seven animals died as a result.

24 Hour News 8 will continue to follow this story.

See also:

• M P I Research, L.L.C., Mattawan, MI
• Animal rights group wants MPI Research fined: USDA report finds four animals were euthanized after being injured - Media Coverage
• USDA - Inspection Report - 3 Aug 2011 - M P I Research, L.L.C., Mattawan, MI
• USDA Letter of Complaint - M P I Research, L.L.C., Mattawan, MI
• USDA cites Michigan lab for 4 fatalities; Watchdog Group Calls for "Major Fine" - Press Release

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