Attn: Assignment Desk

Watchdog Group Uncovers Negligent Deaths at SRI; Demands USDA Investigation and Inspector General Audit

BIRMINGHAM, AL – A National Research Watchdog Group (SAEN) has uncovered several incidents of negligent deaths at the Southern Research Institute in recently obtained federal reports.

Federal records reveal that one monkey at the facility died with his/her head stuck in a cage, another died after simple blood collection, and a third was found dead in a suspicious incident. Other animals have died at this facility for no apparent reason.

SAEN has contacted the Eastern Regional Office of USDA/APHIS/AC to demand an immediate investigation of this facility relevant to potential violations of the Animal Welfare Act for inadequate veterinary care, improper handling of animals, and unqualified personnel.

Additionally, the Office of the Inspector General within the USDA has also been contacted to probe the Animal Care division of USDA/APHIS/AC to determine why these issues have not been addressed previously.

“The documents which we have recently obtained demonstrate that animals have been unnecessarily killed at this facility,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director, SAEN. “Since the USDA had these documents in their possession, why hasn’t this been addressed? Clearly this agency is asleep at the wheel.”

All documentation is available upon request.

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See Also:
USDA - APHIS Report - 25 Nov 2009
10 Dec 2010 - Watchdog Group Uncovers Negligent Deaths at SRI; Demands USDA Investigation and Inspector General Audit
Letter of Complaint to OIG About SRI Research Facility
Letter of Complaint to USDA About SRI Research Facility
Birmingham animal activists want SRI investigated

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