Watchdog Group Files Complaint Against UW for Primate Escapes, Traumatic Injuries and Deaths; SAEN Releases Internal UW Photos, Calls for Federal Fine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Contact:   Michael Budkie, SAEN 513-575-5517

Attn: Assignment Desk

SEATTLE, WA – A national research watchdog organization has completed a major investigation of the University of Washington, Seattle, and has filed a federal complaint with the USDA noting numerous violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including multiple primate escapes, traumatic injuries, botched surgical procedures, severe animal debilitation, and deaths.
 
The investigation uncovered seven primate escapes within fifteen months, one incident where a monkey obtained a pair of scissors, an infant primate who was burned, a probe inadvertently shoved into a primate’s brain causing neurological damage, a surgical procedure which had to be stopped when a primate vomited and self-extubated, etc. 
 
One primate who was in for a blood draw was euthanized due to an undiscovered broken femur.  Two monkeys lost eight inches of their tails to amputation following traumatic injuries, while another monkey lost the tips of several fingers.  Five primates had to be euthanized after losing up to 30% of their bodyweight.  UW policy limits debilitation to only a 20% weight loss.  A sixth primate is listed with a 27% weight loss.
 
Overall, the complaint is relevant to potentially dozens of federal violations connected to at least 20 primates in a period of only sixteen months.
 
“The staff and researchers at the UW appear to be drastically unqualified, substantially inept, and unable to follow even the most basic requirements of animal husbandry,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director, SAEN.  “Not only is the UW unable to keep the monkeys in the cages, they are unable to prevent injuries, even those caused by UW staff.  They can’t even keep the scissors out of a monkey’s hands.”
 
SAEN is also releasing shocking internal UW photos of barren steel enclosures which deprive primates of contact with other animals, or access to a natural environment.
 
The USDA complaint, UW records, and UW photos are available from SAEN.
 
-30-

See also:

• University of Washington, Seattle, WA
• Letter of Complaint to USDA - 23 Apr 2012
• Photos from University of Washington, Seattle, posted April 24, 2012

Return to Press Releases

We welcome your comments and questions