Media Coverage About SAEN Stop Animal Exploitation Now

University of Memphis pays $15.1K USDA penalty over alleged animal care violations

 

From John Klyce, CommercialAppeal.com, July 10, 2024

The University of Memphis has entered a settlement agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture over allegations that it violated the Animal Welfare Act. Per the settlement, the institution has paid a $15,100 civil penalty.

Complaints against U of M were lodged by the Ohio-based nonprofit SAEN (Stop Animal Exploitation Now), which monitors American organizations, like universities, that use animals for research. According to a USDA document, U of M allegedly violated the Animal Welfare Act multiple times between 2022 and 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 12 voles, 15 mole rats, two hamsters, and a house finch.

A U of M spokesperson provided the following statement: “The University of Memphis takes its research responsibilities seriously and the University of Memphis Animal Care and Use Program strives to ensure the humane and ethical use of animals in research, complying with all applicable regulations, laws, and University Policies."

The first alleged violation took place around April 1, 2022, with “an overnight malfunction of the life sciences building HVAC unit” causing decreased ventilation and increased temperatures that led to the deaths of 12 voles.

According to the USDA document, U of M didn’t ensure that its facilities had proper ventilation that would prevent animal discomfort. The university also allegedly failed to provide fresh air through windows, doors, vents, fans, or air-conditioning.

The second alleged violation took place in the summer of 2022. Between July 19 and Aug. 22 of that year, 15 naked mole rats were either euthanized by U of M for medical reasons or found dead. An animal care technician said the mole rats had recently engaged in fighting and appeared agitated. U of M attributed the fighting and deaths to an environmental stressor ― with potential causes being the soft noise from a dehumidifier in the room, and a light malfunction that caused the mole rats to have 24 hours of continuous light.

According to the document, U of M allegedly failed to handle the animals as carefully as possible, in a way that doesn’t cause trauma, overheating, excessive cooling, behavioral stress, physical harm, or unnecessary discomfort.

Another violation took place in September 2023. U of M found a dwarf hamster with its front foot caught in the overhead grate of its enclosure. Though the hamster received treatment, the foot appeared to have permanent damage, and it was humanely euthanized by a veterinarian.
Per the document, U of M allegedly failed to ensure its hamster enclosures were structurally sound and well-maintained.

A second hamster was found with its foot caught in the overhead grate of its enclosure in January 2024. This hamster also had an injury that caused it to be euthanized, and the incident led to another alleged violation.

This was followed by an incident in March 2024 that led to an additional alleged violation. U of M found a house finch dead, with one of its toes stuck in the gap between the side and back panel of its cage. According to the USDA, the university failed to construct and maintain enclosures that would protect birds from injury.

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