FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Contact: Michael Budkie, SAEN www.saenonline.org, [email protected], (513) 575-5517

Attn: Assignment Desk

Feds again Cite University of Texas (Galveston) for Primate Fatality; Negligent Death toll reaches 3; Watchdog Group Again calls for fine

GALVESTON/HOUSTON, TX – Recently obtained federal reports reveal major violations of the Animal Welfare Act within the University of Texas, Galveston (UTXG).
 
An April 16, 2012, USDA report cites the University of Texas, Galveston, for the death of a marmoset and for inadequate veterinary care regarding ferrets and sheep.  At least one of the ferrets may have been exposed to roach bait.  This follows previous major citations in 2011.
 
A 2011 USDA inspection report for UTXG reveals the negligent deaths of a dog and a goat, as well as other infractions effecting ferrets and sheep.  The lab is repeatedly cited for inadequate veterinary care.
 
“This lab has now killed multiple animals through sheer negligence and allowed many others to experience pain unnecessarily,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director, SAEN.  “This kind of incompetence is simply inexcusable and be severely punished.”
 
SAEN has again contacted the Western Regional Office of the USDA to insist on a federal fine.
 
The USDA inspection report is attached to this release.
 
See also:

• University of Texas, Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX
• USDA - Inspection Report 16 Apr 2010
• Letter of Complaint to USDA 17 May 2012

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