UCSF's extreme abuse of animals

by Julian Guthrie -- Wednesday, September 15, 2004

Federal regulators have filed a complaint against UC San Francisco alleging 60 violations of the Animal Welfare Act that ranged from failing to keep animal cages clean to improper treatment of research animals during and after surgery.

The complaint by the U.S. Department of Agriculture says the violations took place between 2001 and 2003 and included such startling surgical procedures as cutting into a monkey's skull without providing pain relief.

The violations originally were reported by USDA inspectors during biannual visits to UCSF.

"The gravity of the violations is great," the complaint says. It was issued Aug. 31 and gives the university 20 days to respond.

Colleen Carroll, a USDA attorney, said that violations of the Animal Welfare Act could result in civil or criminal penalties or revocation or suspension of a medical research license.

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