12/9/10

Phyllis K. Fong
Office of the Inspector General
Room 117-W Jamie Whitten Bldg
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250

Ms. Fong,

I am contacting you today regarding the failure of the USDA/APHIS/AC to properly inspect a research facility and enforce the Animal Welfare Act based on information which was provided to them several years ago in the form of an animal use report, filed by the laboratory itself.

Despite having access to this information filed in 2009, USDA/APHIS/Ac failed to take any action against the SRI (64-R-0001) facility, as demonstrated by recent inspection reports which have no mention of the incidents whatsoever.

The documentation provided by this facility clearly discusses several incidents potentially involving negligence, unqualified personnel, improper handling of animals, inadequate veterinary care, etc. And yet, these issues are not even mentioned in relevant USDA inspection reports for this facility. This is clearly another example of USDA/APHIS/AC not using information which was in their possession to enforce the law.

Therefore, I have forwarded to you the correspondence which has just been sent to the Elizabeth Goldentyer of USDA/APHIS/AC. This contains all of the relevant information for your office to address.

I hereby officially request copies of all documents generated by your investigation of this complaint under the federal Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. sec. 552. Included in this request are all documents, photos, videos, etc.

I will expect your response within 10 business days.

Sincerely,

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

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