Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 15, 2016

Contact:  Jodie Wiederkehr, Center For Ethical Science (CFES), 773-726-0589, centerforethicalscience@hotmail.com

 

35 ANIMALS COOKED TO DEATH AT SWARTHMORE COLLEGE

Violated Federal Law Charges Research Watchdog


SWARTHMORE, PA – Due to gross negligence at Swarthmore College, thirty-five hamsters perished in one of the worst ways possible.  This laboratory violated federal Animal Welfare Laws in the process, charged a research watchdog group today.

According to a June 15, 2016 U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report under Section 3.26 (Facilities Indoor), "April 2, 2016, the ambient temperature of the cold chamber, which housed hamsters reached 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. According to facility records, thirty-five hamsters perished due to a malfunction in the cold chamber and alarm system."
 

In a letter to Dr. Betty Goldentyer, Director of the Eastern Region of the USDA/APHIS (Animal and Plant Inspection Services) office in Raleigh, NC, Jodie Wiederkehr, Executive Director of the Center For Ethical Science (CFES), charged "Swarthmore failed to ensure the safety of the animals in their care and this carelessness killed,"  CFES is urging the USDA to launch a full investigation into this incident and levy the largest fine allowable against Swarthmore College of at least $10,000 per non-compliance. 

"If experimenters cannot make sure safety precautions are in place, how can we possibly trust their work or research?  Swarthmore College should be held accountable for their incompetence which led to the tragic deaths of these animals," Wiederkehr stated.

All federal reports are available upon request.

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