Three animals, including a primate, killed at University of Michigan because of negligence

The university should be fined no less than $40,000 for the deaths because Michigan violated federal law, said SAEN (Stop Animal Exploitation Now), which monitors research facilities across the U.S.

In an "Official Complaint" filed with the USDA, SAEN cited National Institutes of Health (NIH) internal documents which detail two deaths at the Michigan – an unapproved and illegal experiment that killed a guinea pig and the strangulation death of a baboon. A drowning death of a hamster was also reported, and abuse of another animal. Each is punishable by a $10,000 fine.

In an official complaint filed with the USDA, SAEN said the death at the University of Michigan are guilty of multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

"I know that your office considers major violations of the Animal Welfare Act to be very serious in nature, especially when these violations kill or seriously injure animals," said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director, SAEN. He called for an "immediate investigation" in the letter.

"I must insist that you take the most severe action allowable under the Animal Welfare Act and immediately begin the process of issuing the maximum fine allowable against the University of Michigan at the completion of your investigation: $10,000 per infraction," Budkie added.

All government reports and SAEN's official complaint are available upon request from SAEN.

March 3, 2014
http://www.all-creatures.org/saen/press-20130303.html