USDA Cites New Iberia lab in Negligent Deaths of 3 Monkeys:
Watchdog Group Calls for Fine and New Investigation

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


Please contact Dr. Gibbens and demand that he take immediate action against the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, for the negligent deaths of three primates at the New Iberia Research Center.

Dr. Robert Gibbens
Director, Western Region
USDA/APHIS/AC
2150 Center Ave.
Building B, Mailstop 3W11
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Contact: Michael Budkie, SAEN www.saenonline.org, [email protected], (513) 575-5517

Attn: Assignment Desk

USDA Cites New Iberia lab in Negligent Deaths of 3 Monkeys: Watchdog Group Calls for Fine and New Investigation

LAFAYETTE/NEW IBERIA, LA – Federal reports obtained early today reveal major violations of the Animal Welfare Act which killed three monkeys within the labs of the University of Louisiana Lafayette (ULL).

A USDA report dated 5/31/11 reports: “ . . . deaths of 3 Rhesus monkeys which became trapped in a chute in one of the outdoor breeding colonies. The remains were autolyzed therefore they had been trapped for some time and not properly monitored.”

The report cites ULL for inadequate veterinary care including inadequate observation of animals.

Outraged by this clear negligence, research watchdog group SAEN has contacted the USDA to insist on severe penalties. “I must insist that your office immediately issue additional citations against the University of Louisiana Lafayette and also institute proceedings to issue the largest fine allowable by law for this heinous incident,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director SAEN.

SAEN has also asked for an investigation of the deaths of many ULL primates who have died due to trauma, “traumatic stress,” “thermal necrosis,” septicemia, “necrosing traumatic wounds,” “ascending necrosis/toxemia” etc. during the 2009 – 2010 period.

Based on information contained in federal reports, potentially as many as 38% of the monkeys at ULL are sick or injured during a year.

The USDA inspection reports are available upon request from SAEN.

For more information about SAEN (Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!) -- www.saenonline.org

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