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National Research Watchdog calls NDSU Animal Deaths ‘Scandalous’ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ATTENTION: News Desk National Research Watchdog calls NDSU Animal Deaths ‘Scandalous’
Demands Lab Access; Launches Independent Investigation FARGO, ND – As former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer emerges from
Senate confirmation hearings to take the reigns of the USDA, North
Dakota State University has been exposed as a major violator of the
Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which is enforced by the USDA. Recently obtained government reports reveal that NDSU had over 20
separate AWA violations in a six month period. Animals at NDSU were
denied veterinary care, and the deaths of sheep were termed “minor
deficiencies” by NDSU Animal Care Committee members. Additionally, NDSU
was fined $12,218 by the USDA in late 2007. “The violations at NDSU are of the most serious possible nature and
should lead to severe repercussions,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T.,
SAEN’s Executive Director. “The animal deaths at NDSU are scandalous and
the USDA fine is insufficient to bring about real change. NDSU must
institute wholesale reorganization.” The approximately 2 dozen infractions included lack of a qualified
veterinarian, use of drugs which had been expired for as much as 8
years, untreated animal deaths, and numerous violations by the NDSU
Animal Care Committee. “It is clear that the Animal Care Committee at NDSU is responsible
for major dereliction of duty,” added Budkie. “This body must be
entirely reconstituted.” In a letter to NDSU President, Joseph Chapman,
SAEN has requested that the IACUC be totally reorganized. SAEN has also launched an investigation of NDSU requesting further
federal reports, as well as internal NDSU documents. All government reports are available upon request -30-
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