The University of Oklahoma (OU) is in trouble with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) after an inspection by the agency found baboons mistreated by laboratory staff. According to a report by Bloomberg Business, the USDA’s inspection findings mentioned baboons shivering after having been hosed down while others were reported as living among filth. These are not the first matters of concern in relation to the treatment of laboratory animals. The USDA has cited Oklahoma 16 times over the course of two years. Furthermore, OU got in trouble with the USDA in 2013 after the agency found that the college was euthanizing dogs via electrocution.
Commenting on the worrying findings, Susana Della Maddalena with the Central Oklahoma Humane Society, told KFOR: “It’s pretty shocking to see that a university of that caliber has those kinds of practices in place.” The animal welfare activitst added: “We hope the university does the right thing and does it quickly.”
As a result of the findings, the advocacy group Stop Animal Exploitation NOW! is asking the USDA to fine the university. An online petition, with more than 2,200 signatories, is asking for the lab violating animal rules at OU to be shut down.
James Tomasek, vice president for research at OU’s health sciences center, told Bloomberg that the university is working to “demonstrate its commitment to a program that meets and exceeds national standards.”
