Monkeys used in medical research 'kept in neglectful conditions,' say activists
Monkeys used in medical research 'kept in neglectful conditions,' say activists
New US laws require that researchers treat chimpanzees in an ethologically appropriate manner, and several organizations say monkeys need the same rules
Brandon Keim in New York
Thursday 18 June 2015 07.00 EDT
After succeeding in their quest to overhaul the treatment of chimpanzees used in research, animal rights advocates are turning their attention to other primates: the tens of thousands of monkeys now used in medical research in the United States.
The rules governing these animals’ welfare are minimal and outdated, says the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and are no longer consistent with what scientists now know about their needs and feelings.
“These animals are being kept in neglectful conditions,” said Carter Dillard, head of litigation at the fund. “The conditions do not reflect what the science shows these animals need. Without the standards we’ve asked for, these animals are suffering.”
The ALDF is one of several activist organizations, also including the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance, Laboratory Primate Advocacy Group and New England Anti-Vivisection Society, who in May petitioned the US department of agriculture (USDA) to reconsider how nonhuman primates are treated. The USDA is responsible for the Animal Welfare Act, the standards which guide the treatment of research animals, and agreed to hear the petition. They’re accepting public comments until 30 June, after which they’ll consider whether to improve the rules.
More:
http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/18/monkeys-medical-research-chimpanzees
