Animal rights group demands UGA investigate “shocking incidents of negligence”
An Ohio-based animal rights group accused the University of Georgia of animal abuse in its experiments and demanded the university conduct an investigation to end harmful practices.
The group, Stop Animal Exploitation Now, citing UGA correspondence with federal officials, wrote a letter to UGA president Jere Morehead on Monday asking for the investigation and the dismissal of all employees involved in the abuse.
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The documents show more than 100 mice and rats were killed in the last two-plus years and that some pigs and deer were endangered as a result of unsanitary staff practices.
“These incidents...demonstrate a multi-year pattern of abuse, neglect, and incompetence at the University of Georgia, caused by lab staff. This negligence must NOT be allowed to continue,” the letter read.
The group requests a response within five business days.
UGA spokesman Greg Trevor said in a statement late Monday that researchers work to meet federal animal welfare standards during laboratory work, but “human error or facility failure can infrequently and regrettably lead to the loss of an animal.” The statement says the university has taken some personnel actions that have included employee termination “where appropriate.”
UGA has used animals to conduct research for cancer treatment, infectious diseases, neurological disorders and chronic diseases such as obesity.
About the Author
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
