Charles River Violations Mount in Monkey & Rabbit Maiming

For Immediate Release
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Contact: Michael Budkie 513-575-5517; 513-703-9865 (cell)

Charles River Violations Mount in Monkey & Rabbit Maiming;

Watchdog Organization Calls for Stiff Fines

RENO, NV – SAEN, a national research watchdog organization, has learned that the Charles River Corporation violated the Animal Welfare Act over 20 times in 2006 and another 11 times in the first half of 2007. The mounting violations follow the issuance of an “Official Warning” by the USDA for incidents in 2005.

Recently obtained USDA/APHIS Animal Care inspection reports reveal four incidents in one CRL lab located in Nevada where negligent handling of primates by unqualified personnel resulted in injuries severe enough to warrant amputation of the monkeys’ fingers in 2007.

Government documents revealed a 2006 incident at a Philadelphia area Charles River site reported that rabbits developed 4 ˝ inch skin lesions without veterinary treatment. Serious issues are also raised about painful experiments without anesthesia. An episode at a Massachusetts site demonstrated that one primate had serious mental pathologies.

“It is clear that warning Charles River had no impact,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., SAEN’s Executive Director. “It is time for the USDA to take serious action against CRL.”

SAEN has contacted the USDA to demand the immediate issuance of a major fine against CRL for the finger amputation incident. Dr. Elizabeth Goldentyer, Director of the USDA/APHIS/AC’s Eastern Region has been contacted.

During 2006 CRL amassed over 20 violations in the areas of veterinary care, Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee, feeding, housing, sanitation, environmental enhancement, and filing of the annual report.

During 2007 areas of citations included primary enclosures, sanitation, housing, and unqualified personnel.

All government reports are available upon request.

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Charles River Laboratories - Wilmington, MA
Charles River Laboratories - Sparks, NV

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