The number of animals in labs in Florida continues to grow
July 21st, 2010 by admin
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its annual survey of animals used in research. In 2009, over 11,000 animals were used in teaching, testing or experiments in Florida. Included in this number* were 2117 nonhuman primates, 1272 pigs, 937 dogs, 778 rabbits, 491 cats and 250 sheep.
In 2009, 1,000 more animals were in laboratories in Florida than in 2008, and 3,500 more than in 2007!
The University of Florida is the largest research facility in the state. Recent USDA inspection reports reveal problems inside UF labs. In December 2009, a worker carelessly placed a cage containing five baby rats into a high-temperature cage washer. The rats were boiled to death. In July 2009, a rabbit broke his back during a routine nail trimming procedure. A technician was blamed for not supporting the animal’s back properly. The rabbit was euthanized.
*NOT included in this number are the tens of thousands of mice and rats used in research every year in Florida (the Animal Welfare Act excludes from protection mice, rats, birds, frogs and fish).
Learn more about animal experimentation in Florida at ARFF’s website.