FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 15, 2016
Contact: Jodie Wiederkehr, Center For Ethical Science (CFES), 773-726-0589, centerforethicalscience@
UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO DENIES VETERINARY CARE TO MONKEY
Violated Federal Law Charges Research Watchdog
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Due to gross negligence at the University of Puerto Rico, a rhesus macaque monkey has never had any veterinary care despite the fact that he was born with a serious eye condition. The school violated federal Animal Welfare Laws in the process, charged a research watchdog group today.
According to a June 23, 2016 U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report, "Primate 8QS was observed to have an opacity in the right eye. The vet techs indicated that he was born with large eyes and has been this way since birth. This condition, however, was never reported to the attending veterinarian for examination and has never received any veterinary care. The veterinarian is the person who is qualified to assess the animal's health and well-being, and is the one who would determine if an animal is suffering, or is experiencing pain and/or distress. He is also the one who would decide whether treatment or euthanasia is appropriate."
"One can only imagine how long this animal, who is so like us, has suffered so far. The University of Puerto Rico should be held accountable for their incompetence," Wiederkehr stated.
All federal reports are available upon request.
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