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Press Releases Johns Hopkins University labs slapped with hefty $25,000 USDA fine after watchdog group files complaint FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Attention: Science/Education Desk BALTIMORE – The United States Department of Agriculture has announced
it has levied a hefty $25,000 punitive fine against Johns Hopkins
University for repeatedly violating the Animal Welfare Act during a 3-year
period. Violations at JHU included: inadequate veterinary care, filing of
fraudulent reports, inadequate cage size, and many other violations.
Animals at JHU were subjected to drug withdrawal, congestive heart failure
and social isolation. "In April of 2004 we labeled Johns Hopkins one of the worst labs in the
nation for violating the Animal Welfare Act at least 31 times in three
years," said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., the executive director of SAEN, a
Cincinnati-based, non-profit research watchdog organization. "Apparently the USDA agrees with our investigation, which uncovered a
wide array of illegal activity at Johns Hopkins,” said Budkie, who filed a
complaint against the university with the USDA. USDA documents reveal the suffering and death of primates, dogs,
rabbits, and other species within JHU labs. Government documents that
expose the violations are available from SAEN upon request. Although the fine is significant generally, Budkie said Johns Hopkins
huge, $250 million animal research budget could still easily absorb the
punishment. Budkie called for the USDA to take more meaningful enforcement
actions. "Animals are being mistreated and, in effect, tortured in these
laboratories. Johns Hopkins ignores their well-being to the extent that it
can invalidate the millions they receive in taxpayer-funded research
grants. The USDA must take swift steps against abusers like this,” Budkie
said. -30
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