Living Rabbit Found in Carcass Freezer at Bay Area's Pacific Biolabs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited Pacific Biolabs for violation of federal laws, said SAEN (Stop Animal Exploitation Now), which made public the USDA inspection report from August 19, 2014. The USDA inspection report cited Pacific Biolabs for a violation of standards for "animal handling," in connection to the rabbit's death.

But according to SAEN, the USDA didn't go far enough. SAEN is calling for additional citations for unqualified personnel and inadequate veterinary care programs and the maximum federal fine. SAEN said it has filed an Official Complaint with the USDA in an effort to punish Pacific Biolabs through additional citations and a substantial fine of at least $10,000 per infraction.

In a letter to the USDA, SAEN said: "In light of the drastic incompetence of Pacific Biolabs -- and the potential pain and suffering caused to a rabbit who was put into a freezer while still alive (we) 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 Pacific Biolabs at the completion of your investigation – $10,000 per infraction."

"Negligence at this lab caused unnecessary suffering to this rabbit," said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., executive director of SAEN.

"The fatal carelessness of Pacific Biolabs deserves the maximum penalty. An incompetent testing lab which cannot even tell if a rabbit is alive or dead should not be trusted. Would you take a drug whose safety was based on procedures at a lab whose staff are so careless and incompetent?" Budkie said.

The federal records and complaint are available upon request from SAEN.


Press release: November 18, 2014
http://www.all-creatures.org/saen/press-20141118.html


Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!
http://www.all-creatures.org/saen/index.html