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Media Coverage Group pressures University of Iowa to halt animal research IOWA CITY (AP) --- A national animal rights group announced a
campaign Thursday to pressure the University of Iowa to halt invasive
brain studies on macaque monkeys and other animal research. "Barbaric experiments are under way at the University of Iowa," said
Leana Stormont, a local member of Stop Animal Exploitation Now! "This is
not about science. This is about money." The group spoke outside Spence Laboratories, target of a November
raid in which rats, pigeons and mice, were released and computers
damaged. The Animal Liberation Front, an underground group, claimed
responsibility. SAEN, based in Cincinnati, said it had no ties to ALF or the
break-in, but said news coverage of the raid brought inhumane conditions
to its attention. The group said the university conducts research on monkeys, dogs,
sheep, rabbits, hamsters, mice, and rats. It released a list of 226
federally funded grant projects involving animals at Iowa. Federal records show the university had 17 monkeys used in research
as of 2002, and the group has filed a public records request for all
primate health care records and necropsy reports over the last two
years. In a statement, university Provost Michael Hogan called the group's
allegations derogatory and said the university has high standards for
animal research. "We do not engage in unnecessary animal research; nor do we conduct
research for the purpose of harming animals or for monetary gain," he
said. President David Skorton said in November that a committee reviews all
animal research and caretakers look after the animals daily. "When the use of animals is necessary, The University of Iowa does
everything in its power to ensure animal well-being and responsible
animal care and use," Skorton said.
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