USDA concludes Nevada university mistreated research animals

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/05/30/neglect.investigation.ap/index.html

USDA concludes Nevada university mistreated research animals

RENO, Nevada (AP) -- A seven-month federal investigation has concluded
that a Nevada university mistreated research animals, and the school has
agreed to pay an $11,400 fine to settle the case.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited the University of Nevada, Reno,
for 46 federal animal welfare violations between May 2004 and March 2005.

Violations included repeatedly leaving 10 research pigs with inadequate
water and housing, poor sanitation at animal care facilities, lack of
veterinary care, and failure to investigate complaints of animal neglect.

School officials agreed to pay the fine Friday but said they disagree with
some of the agency's findings.

University President John Lilley said in a statement that the school has
addressed the USDA's concerns and is "firmly committed to the appropriate
treatment of animals under our care."

The investigation began shortly after associate professor Hussein S.
Hussein, an internationally known animal nutrition researcher, alleged
abuse of research animals in complaints to the USDA last summer.

The Reno Gazette-Journal later reported that 38 pregnant sheep died in
October 2002 while they were inside a locked gate without food or water
for three days.

Hussein has filed two lawsuits in federal court against the university,
Lilley and other administrators accusing them of reprisals and trying to
fire him since he complained. Both lawsuits are pending.