Target: Tom Vilsack, Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture
Goal: Investigate reported torture and deaths of lab monkeys associated with neurotech firm.
Elon Musk created another splash when his company, the Neuralink Organization, released a video of a monkey seemingly playing a video game with only his mind. Neuralink touted this development as an advancement of its aspirations to link human brains with computers. Now, the company is facing allegations that its cutting-edge research is rooted in animal cruelty.
The charges concern rhesus monkeys used as test subjects in University of California-Davis laboratories. Staff of Neuralink have claimed that testing on the animals is being rushed at Musk’s command and causing the monkeys great harm and even death as a result. A group known as the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has further highlighted allegations about what took place in the laboratory.
They say that documentation shows how the skulls of the monkeys were cut open so that brain chips could be implanted. In addition, a substance that has not been properly vetted was allegedly used in the testing, resulting in the reported death of at least one monkey. The committee further claims that the monkeys were not being treated well and were possibly being deprived of veterinary care.
The United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the nation’s animal cruelty laws, has reportedly launched an investigation into the matter. Sign the petition below to demand appropriate penalties be given to any responsible parties if wrongdoing is discovered.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Vilsack,
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine recently appealed to this agency to investigate the University of California-Davis laboratory and Neuralink for their purported roles in cruel animal testing. They stated that during these tests “monkeys had their brains mutilated in shoddy experiments and were left to suffer and die.” The USDA has by accounts begun at least a preliminary investigation into the allegations.
Please remain vigilant in this pursuit. If either the laboratory or Neuralink is found to have caused inhumane suffering to lab animals, hold them fully accountable. No true progress can arise from barbarity and cruelty.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: USDA
