OSU fined for rodent deaths, other veterinary care violations
By
David Bitton,
Stillwater News Press, July 28, 2016
Oklahoma State University was fined $12,850 for three veterinary care
violations, including the deaths of 15 rodents.
The incidents occurred between July 2013 and August 2014, but the fine was
only recently handed down.
Twelve voles – a small creature similar to a mouse – died from dehydration
in July 2013 and three more were euthanized because of their poor condition,
according to a May press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
which issued the fine.
The press release was sent to the News Press earlier this week by the
national animal research watchdog group Stop Animal Exploitation Now, who
had filed a federal complaint against the university, claiming multiple
violations of the Animal Welfare Act and asking the USDA to issue a fine.
“OSU self-reported the incidents, took immediate corrective measures that
satisfied federal guidelines and procedures, and has paid the USDA fine,”
said OSU spokesman Gary Shutt. “OSU is committed to the humane care and use
of all animals. Many of the advances in the prevention and treatment of
animal and human diseases are the direct result of animal research.”
The press release stated that water bottles in 34 voles cages were either
empty or near empty.
Voles monogamy and social behaviors were being studied with the goal of
better understanding autism, human bonding and causes of dysfunctions in
social attachments, Shutt said.
The second violation was in September 2013 when expired materials including
mineral oil, syringes, blood tubes and dewormer were found at the Equine
Research Center.
The third violation – which occurred in August 2014 – happened after “you
failed to give adequate guidance to principal investigators and other
personnel regarding euthanasia,” according to the press release.
The incidents involved the arts and sciences and agricultural colleges along
with the equine research center.
“Negligence at the Oklahoma State University caused 15 animals to die of
thirst,” said Michael A. Budkie, executive director at SAEN. “Fatal animal
abuse like this deserved a much more serious penalty.”
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