Updated: March 21, 9:15 a.m.
An animal rights group that has filed multiple claims with the United States Department of Agriculture against Oregon Health and Science University’s primate lab has now labeled the facility the “Worst U.S. Primate Lab.”
“OHSU has violated the Animal Welfare Act more than other major primate laboratories in the last 18 months,” Michael Budkie, executive director of Stop Animal Exploitation Now, said in a press release sent out earlier this week.
OHSU called the complaint “inconsistent with the record and the reputation of the Oregon National Primate Research Center.”
According to the animal rights group, “The 12 federal violations amassed by OHSU leads major U.S. primate labs.”
“The next worst violator” has only four violations, the group added in its release.
In January, citing the death of a primate and several other issues, the group asked the USDA to fine OHSU the maximum of $10,000 per animal and infraction, totaling more than $100,000.
A spokesperson for OHSU said the lab has not been fined by the USDA in the time period under examination by SAEN.
Last October, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals asked the federal government to stop testing on animals at the lab.
In a statement responding SAEN’s dubious distinction, the university said it “understands and embraces its need to provide compassionate and state-of-the-art health and veterinary care, a responsibility that comes with the privilege of working with animals.”
“Research with nonhuman primates, in particular,” the statement continued, “has led to critical health advances that have saved or improved millions of human lives.”
OHSU said they report all animal issues and solve problems that are discovered, including, they added, “each of the citations referenced in the most recent complaint filed by Stop Animal Exploitation Now.”
OHSU also pointed out that during its most recent USDA inspection, which occurred earlier this month, no citations were issued against the Oregon National Primate Research Center.
“OHSU continually monitors and evaluates new methods and technology as alternatives to animal studies in our programs,” the statement said, “and is committed to adopting these techniques as soon as their effectiveness is demonstrated.”
-- Lizzy Acker
503-221-8052
lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker
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