FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 30, 2012
Contact: Michael Budkie, SAEN www.saenonline.org, saen@saenonline.org, (513) 575-5517

Attn: Assignment Desk

LRRI Whistleblower Reveals 'Horrific' Explosive Head Injury Experiment; USDA Confirms Investigation of Watchdog Complaint

Albuquerque, NM – The existence of an LRRI project involving explosive head injuries – without any anesthesia – has been leaked to the public by a source close to the workings of the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, according to a national research watchdog organization.

Cincinnati-based SAEN has revealed it has been contacted by another inside source connected to the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, which said the Dept of Defense-funded experiment is currently a pilot project and is yet to be fully-funded.

The experiment will subject non-human primates to blast induced head injuries. In one aspect of the study, some of the monkeys may not receive anesthesia during the blast. Initial measurements of the primates have begun.

An Official Complaint has been filed with the United States Department of Agriculture, requesting a thorough investigation of the pilot project. Concerns exist about legal requirements for use of anesthesia, adequate veterinary care for the monkeys, consideration of alternatives, etc. The USDA has confirmed that an investigation is underway.

It is believed that the project has been proposed solely to attract DOD funding, in spite of the scientific invalidity of the study.

“It is horrendous that monkeys will be subjected to a process as painful as explosive head injury,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director, SAEN. “This is simply horrific...performing these blasts without anesthetizing the monkeys. We want to stop this project before it gets fully started.”

LRRI has previously been fined over $21,750 in the suffocation death of a primate, and federal sources have confirmed a second investigation by the IES division of the USDA for the deaths of two dogs (1 by suffocation, 1 by exsanguination). Another scandal has surrounded the lab due to the extermination of 300 monkeys and 100 dogs following the loss of a research contract.

 -30-

See also:

• Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM
• Letter of Complaint to USDA
• Response Letter from USDA to SAEN

Return to Press Releases

We welcome your comments and questions