Take Action Against Santa Cruz Biotechnology

Take Action Against Santa Cruz Biotechnology

Please write to the Director of the Western Regional Office of the USDA to demand action against Santa Cruz Biotechnology

Robert.M.Gibbens@usda.gov

Dr. Robert Gibbens
Director, Western Region
USDA/APHIS/AC
2150 Center Avenue
Building B, Mailstop 3W11
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117

Dr. Gibbens,

I am contacting you today because I am outraged by the ongoing situation of repeated and serious violations underway at the Santa Cruz Biotech lab 93-R-0380. This facility accumulated 11 pages of serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) in just one year. During 2010 this lab has violations of the AWA with regard to Unqualified Personnel, Inadequate Veterinary Care, Handling, and Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee. This facility had, at one point, 178 animals who suffered due to serious illnesses.

Nor are these violations the first of this nature at this facility. As you know, this facility has had a history of serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act dating all the way back to 2006. It is appalling that this laboratory has not faced serious enforcement actions from your agency.
In the most recent inspection reports goats are listed as being recumbent, lame, very thin, having serious nasal discharge, and most appallingly, as having a large – baseball sized – tumor, which was draining effusion into food.

Appalling is not even a strong enough word for this situation. Horrendous, atrocious, these do not even come close to the horrific reality at this facility.

In May of 2010, this facility had violations of veterinary care requirements relative to five animals, and IACUC violations relative to two animals. That totals out to seven animals relative to violations. In July of 2010 this facility had violations of unqualified personnel relative to three animals, veterinary violations relative to twelve animals, and handling violations relative to two animals. In total, for both inspections, there were 24 violations directly relevant to animals.

The history of recalcitrance and continuing/ongoing violations at this hell-hole make it clear that only the maximum penalty will suffice to make a difference. This facility should clearly receive the maximum possible fine -- $10,000 per infraction/per animal, or a total of $240,000.

I expect that your office will reply to this correspondence within five business days.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T.,
Executive Director, SAEN

Attachments: USDA Inspection Report

From Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!S. A. E. N. "Exposing the truth to wipe out animal experimentation"

From Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!
S. A. E. N.
"Exposing the truth to wipe out animal experimentation"