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USDA Complaints
Letter to USDA regarding several violations at Alpha Genesis Laboratory
Dr. Elizabeth Goldentyer 4/24/08 Dr. Goldentyer, I am contacting you today because I have obtained disturbing
information regarding the Alpha Genesis facility in South Carolina. This
information was provided to me by a whistleblower and so comprises
issues of which the USDA may not be aware. According to our source, a nine month old primate named Emma died in early November of 2007. As you know Alpha Genesis had two facilities at this time, one in Yemassee and one in Hampton. When Emma was sent to the Hampton facility, in late October, she was overweight. She died just two weeks later, and was apparently so emaciated that all of her bones were clearly visible. It is unclear if this primate received adequate food, water, and/or veterinary care. Additionally, we have been given information indicating that the staff at Alpha Genesis may be unqualified personnel. Apparently, the veterinary technicians are not adequately trained and are giving drugs and performing procedures such as suturing of injuries without adequate training. In one incident a primate that was behaving oddly, stopping and laying down repeatedly while crossing a pen, was misdiagnosed by these untrained staff – receiving no veterinary care. Three days later this animal was dead. Also, it has been reported to us that staff at Alpha Genesis deliberately cover-up abuse and neglect. One tactic that is used is to allow deceased primates to lie out in the open air unattended before reporting the death. Thus, the decomposition of the animal’s body would make performance of an adequate post-mortem evaluation impossible. I have also obtained the physical exam reports (attached) for two primates that came from Alpha Genesis. These reports reveal primates with substantial histories of injuries, either from other animals or, more likely self-inflicted. These documents raise very serious questions regarding the psychological health of all primates at Alpha Genesis. And so, this issue must be investigated as well. Therefore, I am filing an official complaint against the Alpha Genesis Laboratory and I am asking that USDA/APHIS/REAC immediately investigate this facility to examine the health and welfare of all primates at this facility. I would also request that you provide me with the results of this investigation when it is completed. Sincerely,
Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., See Facility Reports and Information to learn more about Alpha-Genesis, Yemassee, SC Return to USDA Complaints |
