University lab cited for animal welfare violations in Oregon

An Oregon Health & Science University laboratory was cited for violating animal welfare laws after five prairie voles died of thirst, federal inspectors said.

U.S. Department of Agriculture also cited university after a person risked contaminating surgical tools while probing a ferret’s brain with an electrode in January as part of research into how animals hear, Oregonian/OregonLive reported .

violations come after department officials performed a routine inspection of university’s animal research facilities in Portland last month.

“We really do take our responsibility to care for our animals very seriously,” said Kim Saunders, top university veterinarian for research animals. She ded findings in January do t indicate a pattern of animal mistreatment.

Ferret research was shut down for a month last year after inspectors identified three violations, and vole lab sparked concerns after testing how alcohol affects animals, inspectors said.

Two anti-animal research groups, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals and Stop Animal Exploitation w, have urged federal government to put an end to university’s work.

“How hard is it to remember to put water bottles in animals’ cs?” said Kathy Guillermo, senior vice president for PETA.

animals should be confiscated, Stop Animal Exploitation w Director Michael Budkie said in a complaint Tuesday to federal ncy.

“Orwise, next time that your inspector returns, re will most certainly be fewer living ferrets at OHSU,” Budkie said. “And if more ferrets die due to OHSU negligence, ir blood will be on your hands.”

According to federal records dating back to 2014, ncy’s findings bring number of serious violations at university’s animal labs to nine.

(im credits: ANI)