Well, well, well...

There's been a minor commotion (mostly whisperings) at my work recently due to a PETA (people for the ethical treatment of animals) expose'. What happened is: PETA apparently paid some student to work at the Scott-Ritchey Research Center (SRRC; where I work) to do some undercover investigating about an Iams nutrition project that PETA was concerned about. I think the Iams project was discontinued, but this student went on to covertly videotape and tape record converstions, procedures, and kennel animals using his cell phone. And now PETA is making a big stink about Auburn's vet school, right on the front page of their website!

The PETA story: http://www.stopanimaltests.com/f-auburn.asp (video too)

My former boss, Dr. Griffin, was really incensed about the whole thing, in favour of PETA's position. I personally do not know much about the kidney transplant study in question, so I cannot say whether I believe animals have been unethically treated there. However, I do believe that Dr. Lothrop (the vet who cusses during the video) has some serious problems with his attitude and does not remotely provide his employees and future vet students with an example of the professionalism that should accompany the field of veterinary medicine. If I were head of SRRC, I would certainly reprimand him. He's been absent from the hallways this whole week, so I don't know what will happen, if anything.

As for the housing of the animals, and their care: I do believe that the greyhounds are housed in runs too small for their large size, and that they don't get the level of outdoor exercise and running that I would be happy seeing. I find this is true for some of the indoor-housed beagles as well. However, I know the greyhounds get the best care possible for their size and housing conditions; Steve, the tech who looks after them, is very conscientious and I believe he cares about them. The other dogs in the outdoor kennels and even the downstairs indoor ones that I've seen (including nursing ones) have pretty good space, their cages/runs are kept clean, and they are socialized and often very friendly. It should also be noted that all of Scott-Ritchey's animals are housed and cared for in accordance with protocols from IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee), AU's DLAH (Dept. of Lab Animal Health), and the USDA.

Here is the statement released by Auburn on this matter:
http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=5503977 (there's a video too)