FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 16, 2012
Contact: Michael Budkie, SAEN www.saenonline.org, saen@saenonline.org, (513) 575-5517

Attn: Assignment Desk

Watchdog Group Reveals federal investigation of Oklahoma State University; Federal report reveals 'Numerous' animal deaths

Watchdog Group Reveals federal investigation of Oklahoma State University; Federal report reveals ‘Numerous’ animal deaths

TULSA, OK – A federal report reveals that Oklahoma State University is currently under investigation by the USDA for a major violation of the Animal Welfare Act which caused the deaths of many animals.

Information obtained through the Freedom of Information Act reveals that the USDA’s IES (Investigation and Enforcement Services) division currently has an investigation open regarding inadequate indoor facilities at OSU.

The violation centers around an incident in which a HVAC system malfunctioned in January of 2010, causing the deaths of numerous rats, mice, and prairie voles. The USDA document lists the violation as serious.

“Oklahoma State University deserves to be fined for this incident which killed many animals,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director, SAEN. “It makes no difference what the species of animal is, the law is the law, and this criminal facility deserves to be punished.”

According to USDA policy a penalty can be imposed of $10,000 per infraction.

The USDA document is available upon request.

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See also:

• Oklahoma State University Center for Health Services, Tulsa, OK
• USDA Enforcement Document - January 30, 2010

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