Target: Douglas Girod, Chancellor of the University of Kansas Medical Center
Goal: End animal experimentation at KUMC and hold those allegedly responsible for animal mistreatment accountable.
An alarming internal investigation has revealed a pattern of alleged animal mistreatment at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), where researchers, including department chair Long Zheng, purportedly violated crucial animal care protocols. Disturbing findings from an internal compliance report indicate that a sloughed tail and hindlimb were discovered in Zheng’s lab, suggesting severe neglect or abuse. Furthermore, a cohort of rats is said to have undergone multiple unauthorized surgeries, including a painful “jugular vein cutdown,” without necessary pain relief or surgical oversight. This outrageous treatment allegedly led to the death of one rat while around 70 others remain unaccounted for since June.
Additional investigations allegedly highlighted that Zheng’s lab has the highest rate of noncompliance related to rat colony management on campus, raising significant concerns regarding the overall welfare of the animal subjects involved. Reports indicate that three research projects within this lab have been currently suspended, yet they could potentially resume if certain corrective actions are taken. Given the documented pattern of apparent noncompliance and mismanagement, it is essential to demand the complete termination of these projects and prohibition of all involved staff from future animal work to prevent further suffering.
The demand for strict action is crucial not only to uphold ethical standards in scientific research but also to ensure that such alleged abuses do not continue. Animals in research facilities should be treated with the utmost respect and care, and any violations must be addressed decisively. It is imperative that Chancellor Douglas Girod takes immediate action to end these alleged practices, hold those responsible accountable, and safeguard the welfare of animal subjects at KUMC.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Chancellor Girod,
The recent internal investigation at the University of Kansas Medical Center allegedly uncovered severe mistreatment of animal subjects within the lab of Long Zheng, the department chair for pathology and laboratory medicine. Disturbing reports suggest that a sloughed tail and hindlimb were found, along with evidence indicating that rats were subjected to unauthorized surgeries without the necessary approvals and devoid of pain relief. Alarmingly, one rat was allegedly found dead while around 70 others remain unaccounted for since June, highlighting a potential crisis in animal welfare at KUMC.
It has been reported that Zheng’s lab has the highest rate of noncompliance concerning rat colony management on campus, leading to the suspension of three research projects. However, reinstatement of these projects could allow for continued cruelty and irresponsibility towards these vulnerable animals. Immediate action is needed to prevent further suffering and ensure the ethical treatment of all animal subjects in research facilities at KUMC.
We urge you to take strong action by terminating these research projects entirely and ensuring that all staff involved are banned from working with animals in the future. The reported findings demonstrate a clear disregard for ethical standards in animal research, and it is crucial that KUMC openly commits to safeguarding the welfare of all animals under its care.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
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