National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) Releases First-Ever 'Laboratory Animal Care Audit'

Report Details Widespread Violations in U.S. Research Facilities

CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / October 16, 2024 / The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) today published its inaugural "Laboratory Animal Care Audit," a groundbreaking report that documents violations of animal care standards in research laboratories across the United States. The 2023 audit offers a detailed look at compliance failures, revealing specific instances of substandard care and regulatory violations at facilities inspected by the USDA.

The report, now available on NAVS' website, provides a fact-based analysis of documented violations, presenting them facility by facility. Rather than offering opinions or recommendations for improvement, the audit strictly lays out the facts, giving readers an unfiltered look at the conditions animals endure in research environments.

Significant Findings

• The 2023 audit covers 90 research facilities, shedding light on practices that fall short of established animal care standards.

• The report highlights violations committed by facilities in 34 states where data was available. It is important to note that facilities in other states had violations that were not included in the USDA report. Notably, facilities in California recorded the highest number of serious violations.

• Examples of violations included improper handling of animals, failure to provide adequate veterinary care, and insufficient housing conditions.

Dozens of violations resulted in animal deaths. The report emphasizes that these findings are based solely on USDA inspection records and reports submitted by the laboratories themselves. The purpose of the audit is to make this information easily accessible and provide transparency regarding the treatment of animals in research settings.

Detailed Documentation

Each facility's section in the report includes a factual summary of the violations observed in 2023. For example, one facility was cited for inadequate pain management during blood draws on gerbils, while another was reported for failing to adhere to protocol in piglet experiments. These and other incidents underscore ongoing issues in the treatment of laboratory animals, even within regulated environments.

NAVS hopes that by making this data readily accessible, the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders will be better informed about the current state of lab animal welfare.

Access the Full Report

The 'Laboratory Animal Care Audit' is available for download on the NAVS website at navs.org/laca. Media professionals and the general public are encouraged to review the findings for themselves. For more information or to speak with an expert source, please contact Jerome Schwich, NAVS Communications Director, at jschwich@navs.org.

Contact Information:

Jerome Schwich
Communications Director
jschwich@navs.org
7733291225

Related Files

NAVS LACA 2023 FINAL
NAVS LACA Summary Flier FINAL

SOURCE: National Anti-Vivisection Society

View the original press release on newswire.com.