A national research watchdog group has filed a formal complaint to the United States Department of Agriculture urging an immediate investigation into the University of Oklahoma for mistreatment of baboons.
After examining pathology reports, Stop Animal Exploitation Now (SAEN) has uncovered a string of deaths of about 50 infant or young baboons under the care of the university with causes of death ranging from pulmonary vascular leakage, head trauma and pneumonia, some of whom were even cannibalized, according to a press release.
"Some of these baboons may have suffered less if they were monitored and treated for trauma, but in each of these incidents they were not found until they were already dead," said Stacey Ellison of SAEN.
The complaint, which Ellison wrote, says the university has violated section 2.33 of the Animal Welfare Act. The probe could result in fines of more than $200,000 to the university, according to the release.
The Daily reached out to the university at about 5:14 p.m. for comment, but did not receive an answer. We will update this story when more information becomes available.
