Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Contact:  Jodie Wiederkehr, Center For Ethical Science (CFES), 773-726-0589,

CenterForEthicalScience@Hotmail.com 

 

RABBIT DIES OF THIRST AT ANIMAL LABORATORY

Violated Federal Law, Charges Research Watchdog

HARDWICK, MA – Due to incompetence at Capralogics, Inc., a rabbit died from dehydration violating federal Animal Welfare Laws in the process, charged a research watchdog group today.

The US Department of Agriculture cited the company in an inspection report dated July 26, 2016.  According to the report, "A rabbit was found dead in its cage by facility personnel in December 2015.  No abnormal behavior in the animal had been noted in the days prior to death.  The research facility conducted an investigation and determined that there had been a failure of the watering equipment due to employee error and as a result, the animal had gone without water for several days that resulted in its death."

 

In a letter to Dr. Betty Goldentyer, Director of the Eastern Region of the USDA/APHIS (Animal and Plant Inspection Services), Jodie Wiederkehr, CFES' Executive Director, urged the USDA to launch a full investigation into this incident and levy the largest fine allowable against Capralogics, Inc. of at least $10,000 per non-compliance.  

"If experimenters cannot ensure that the animals in their care are receiving the basic requirements to live, how in the world can we trust their research?!  This needs to be investigated and Capralogics, Inc. should be held accountable for the tragic death of this rabbit," Wiederkehr stated.

All federal reports are available upon request.

 

                                                                                             ###