Research Watchdog Group Calls for Federal Probe of Southwest Foundation; Reports Reveal Multiple Negligent Deaths at Future Home of Alamogordo Chimps

Press Release
From Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!
S. A. E. N.
"Exposing the truth to wipe out animal experimentation"


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September. 22, 2010
Contact: Michael Budkie, SAEN, 513-703-9865

Research Watchdog Group Calls for Federal Probe of Southwest Foundation;
Reports Reveal Multiple Negligent Deaths at Future Home of Alamogordo Chimps

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Recently obtained federal reports revealing newly discovered negligence at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research (SWFBR) – including a primate death from lack of water – have prompted a national research watchdog organization to call for a federal probe of the San Antonio lab by the Department of Health and Human Services. The request has been filed with Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.

According to SAEN, a non-profit research watchdog organization in Ohio, government reports reveal a series of negligent deaths and regulatory questions at SWFBR.

USDA reports, said SAEN, reveal primates have died at SWFBR from dehydration and hypothermia. Others have simply been “found dead” – possibly without veterinary care – after suffering from serious disease conditions which include temperatures up to 105 degrees. Another incident previously disclosed in government report involved a post-mortem dissection of a primate who was not yet dead.

Additionally, it appears that SWFBR is playing fast and loose with federal reporting requirements. Documents obtained from through the freedom of information act reveal a 633 primate discrepancy in reporting to two different regulatory agencies, suggesting fraud within the lab.

The continuing round of deaths at the San Antonio lab has also raised questions about the ability of the USDA to enforce the Animal Welfare Act at SWFBR. The streak of deaths has generated no regulatory response from the USDA, and one death was not even mentioned in any inspection reports.

“Both the management of the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research and the agencies responsible for enforcing federal laws are apparently asleep at the wheel regarding this lab. How many monkeys have to be killed negligently before meaningful action is taken?

"And why in the world would the National Institutes of Health plan to transfer almost 200 chimpanzees to this lab? SWFBR clearly is incapable of caring for the primates that they already have," said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director, SAEN.

The USDA inspection reports are available upon request from SAEN.

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See Also:
SW Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, TX
USDA - APHIS Report - 2009
USDA - APHIS Report - 2007
USDA Inspection Report - 28 Feb 2010
22 Sep 2010 - Research Watchdog Group Calls for Federal Probe of Southwest Foundation; Reports Reveal Multiple Negligent Deaths at Future Home of Alamogordo Chimps
Letter of Complaint to USDA About SW Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, TX

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