Athens Lab Piles up Federal Violations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 29, 2012


Please contact Elizabeth Goldentyer to demand that TRS Labs of Athens (GA) receive the largest fine possible under the Animal Welfare Act for the negligence which killed several animals without access to water and allowed another to receive “severe bite wounds.”

Please insist that the USDA issue a fine, and let Dr. Goldentyer know that she MUST take action now!
Dr. Elizabeth Goldentyer
USDA/APHIS/AC
920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 2000
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 855-7100
Betty.J.Goldentyer@usda.gov


Contact: Michael Budkie, SAEN www.saenonline.org, saen@saenonline.org, (513) 575-5517
Attn: Assignment Desk

Athens Lab Piles up 10 Federal Violations in 6 Weeks; Multiple animals sick and dying at TRS lab

ATHENS, GA – Recently obtained federal reports reveal that negligence at the TRS lab of Athens (GA) has left multiple animals sick/dying resulting in ten federal violations in six weeks.

USDA inspection reports for TRS labs reveal a total of ten violations from 3/8/12 – 4/24/12 in areas of veterinary care, housing, sanitation, enclosures, and experimental supervision.

Sick animals including dogs and gerbils have been documented by federal inspectors. Several animals died without access to water. One animal had “severe bite wounds.” Another showed signs of a severe bacterial infection.

Research Watchdog Group SAEN has contacted the USDA to insist on a federal fine for the deaths of these animals.

“When animals die through negligence incompetent labs should pay the price,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director SAEN. “Allowing animals to die without water, receive severe bite wounds, and suffer from bacterial infections is in excusable.”

Federal reports reveal that in 2011 TRS labs experimented on 241 dogs, 129 cats, 18 hamsters, 18 ferrets, and 793 gerbils.

All USDA reports are available upon request from SAEN.