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Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!
S. A. E. N.
"Exposing the truth to wipe out animal experimentation"

Newsletters
The Defender
From Fall 2008 Issue

North Dakota State University Negligence Continues . . . .

In January of this year SAEN first exposed rampant animal abuse at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo. USDA reports revealed that NDSU had over 20 separate AWA (Animal Welfare Act) violations in a six month period. Animals at NDSU were denied veterinary care, and the deaths of sheep were termed “minor deficiencies” by members of the NDSU Animal Care Committee. This negligence culminated in the levying of a $12,218 fine by the USDA in late 2007.

Our ongoing investigation of NDSU has unearthed startling incidents of negligence and abuse described in grisly post-mortem records of NDSU sheep. So far, these new findings are not part of any citations previously levied by the USDA.

“Recent sheep deaths at NDSU have been caused by septicemia, toxemia, and even gangrene,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., SAEN’s Executive Director. “These deaths indicate inadequate veterinary care and potential negligence.”

An examination of records for over 30 sheep who died at NDSU in the last two years reveal many instances of abscesses (some of which had burst), suppurative bronchopneumonia, meningoencephalitis, and other infectious diseases.

One pregnant female sheep succumbed when her offspring died and rotted in utero.

These documents raise serious questions about the deficient veterinary care given to animals within NDSU’s research facilities. “The severe bacterial conditions which killed dozens of sheep do not develop overnight,” added Budkie. “Where were the NDSU vets? None of these records mention any veterinary treatment whatsoever.”

SAEN has filed an official complaint with the USDA Western Regional Office, demanding an investigation of the deaths of dozens of sheep at NDSU and the totally inadequate veterinary care they receive.

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