An animal rights organization is filing a complaint against Temple University for animal negligence in their research laboratories that lead to the death of two dogs and the injury of a cat.
Michael Budkie, AHT, the co-founder and executive director of Stop Animal Exploitation NOW! (SAEN), explained that this issue is one that should concern the general public.
“Animal experimentation for the most part is paid for with Federal Tax Dollars” he said.
The complaint was filed in response to two critical citations issued by the USDA during a lab inspection in September.
In February of 2020, an unapproved heating pad was used on a cat that caused extensive burns. These burns lead to abscesses which required veterinary treatment. Two dogs were found dead in their enclosures by lab technicians a month later. The weekend prior, a lab technician observed that these dogs were experiencing gastrointestinal issues, but did not alert veterinary staff.
“It seems to me that it might have to do with laboratory staff not doing their job” said Budkie.
Temple Update reached out to University Spokesperson Ray Betzner, who was not aware of the incident. The University has yet to make a formal announcement regarding the accusation.
When asked what they could do to better their practice, Budkie asks that institutions like Temple redirect their research on cutting-edge scientific methods, such as organ-chip technology.
Budkie asks, “If they’re not following their own protocols and if they can’t perform a procedure without burning an animal, then why should we believe they can do science?”
SAEN is requesting a full investigation of the laboratory and the incidents surrounding the deaths and injuries with a maximum penalty of $10,000 per animal involved.
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