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http://www.gainesvi lle.com/article/ 20100723/ ARTICLES/ 100729774/ 1002
Group criticizes UF for animal deaths in its labs
By Nathan Crabbe
The Chalkboard blog
July 23, 2010
An animal-rights group is criticizing the University of Florida for animal
deaths at its laboratories.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report from May cites two incidents
in which animals were killed at UF. One incident involved a rabbit breaking its
back because a technician didn't support it properly while trimming its nails.
The rabbit was then euthanized. In the other incident, five baby rats were
killed when they were left in a cage while it was sterilized.
�When you're talking about a facility that can't even clean cages without
killing animals, then there are some very serious problems,� said Michael Budkie,
executive director of Stop Animal Exploitation Now.
UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes issued a statement from the university expressing
regret for the animal deaths. The incidents were reported to a group that
oversees the use of laboratory animals for research and the university took
corrective actions, she said in the statement.
�The USDA in May reviewed all documentation and determined no further action was
necessary,� she said. �We strive to always provide a healthy, safe environment
for our animals as we seek to develop new treatments and cures for human and
animal diseases.�
Budkie said the UF incidents are part of a trend of negligent animal deaths in
labs. He said inspection reports show more than 125 animals have been killed in
33 labs over the past two years.
http://www.am850.com/index.php?id=3588
UF Animal Abuse Report
An animal rights group is criticizing the University of Florida, saying animal
deaths at its laboratories could have been prevented. A U-S Department of
Agriculture inspection report back in May cites two incidents which animals were
killed at UF. The first incident occurred when a rabbit broke its back, due to a
technician not providing enough support while trimming the animal�s nails. The
rabbit was then euthanized. In the other incident, five baby rats were killed
when they were left in a cage while it was sterilized. Stop Animal Exploitation
Now Executive director Michael Budkie says these practices are unacceptable.
