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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Contact: Michael Budkie, SAEN 513-703-9865 (cell)  saen@cinci.rr.com

D.C. Hospital Negligence Kills 3; National Watchdog Group Files Federal Complaint After Hospital Breaks Law
 
WASHINGTON, DC – Recently obtained federal reports reveal that three pigs died due to negligence at the Washington Hospital Center of the Medstar Health Research Institute, according to national research watchdog SAEN (Stop Animal Exploitation NOW).
 
A USDA inspection report dated February 12, 2013 disclosed that the three pigs had to be euthanized after experiencing ventricular fibrillation.  Two defibrillators owned by the lab were faulty and could not revive the animals.  Additionally, the epinephrine which also could have been used to revive the animals was expired.
 
The animal deaths occurred over two separate days.  The first death was not reported to the principal investigator or the attending veterinarian.  The same procedure was performed on two pigs several days later, killing both.  Only after these deaths were the incidents reported.
 
The USDA has cited the lab for two separate violations for unqualified personnel and a third infraction for inadequate veterinary care.
 
The recent non-compliances follow previous violations (2011) for a rabbit death as well as an incident in which a strong foul odor was emanating from a pig enclosure. 
 
SAEN has filed an official complaint against the Medstar Health Research Institute and is insisting on a federal fine.
 
“Negligence at this lab took the lives of several animals.  Not only was the resuscitation equipment faulty, but the drug designated for resuscitation was expired,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director, SAEN.  “This lab deserves the maximum fine allowable by law.”
 
 All relevant documents are available upon request from SAEN.

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See also:

• Medstar Research Institute, Washington, DC
• Letter of Complaint to USDA - 19 Mar 2013
• USDA - Inspection Report - 12 Feb 2013
• USDA - Inspection Report - 24 Mar 2011

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