VII. Call for Access to Laboratories
In light of the conclusions of this report, a call for
access to the laboratories of the Primate Center System is being issued.
If these facilities are to continue to receive even the funding
currently budgeted for their existence they must prove that ALL
the research which they perform is useful and non-duplicative, that the
animals are adequately cared for, and that some real benefit to human
health will be obtained from their continued existence.
Therefore, this letter will be sent to the directors
of all eight Primate Centers.
To: The Directors of the Primate Research Centers
From: Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T.,
Executive Director, SAEN
Re: Access to the Primate Center Facilities
And Primate Health Care Records
Dear Sir/Madame,
I am contacting you today in response to certain
reports which have recently appeared in the mass media (i.e. the Boston
Globe). These reports make several assertions which form the basis of a
request for increased funding for the Primate Center System.
These reports claim that the research performed at the
Primate Centers is worthwhile, that it is performed ethically, that it
is necessary, and that it is a justifiable expenditure of tax dollars.
In the more than ten years that I have monitored the functioning of the
Primate Center System I have not seen any data which substantiates these
claims.
Therefore, I hereby officially request access to the
facilities of each Primate Center so that I may review the practices of
the Primate Centers with respect to adequate animal care, and compliance
with the Animal Welfare Act. I would also like to request access to the
health care records for all primates within the various centers for the
period of one year so that the veterinary treatment received by the
primates may be assessed. I would also request access to all research
protocols involving the use of primates so that the scientific merit of
these projects may be assessed.
I believe that it would also be in the interest of the
general public to allow broadcast and print media to view the facilities
of the Primate Centers. Since the people of the United States fund the
existence of the Primate Centers, they have a right to see what their
tax dollars are purchasing.
I will expect a response to this request within 10
business days (two weeks) of the receipt of the letter.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T.,
Executive Director, SAEN
