BREAKING: Wayne State University is facing urgent scrutiny over allegations of euthanizing research dogs without offering adoption options. The Physicians’ Committee for Responsible Medicine is urging the state’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to launch an immediate investigation into the treatment of these animals, sparking outrage among animal rights advocates.
The group alleges that dogs are kept in a windowless basement at Wayne State, subjected to harrowing experiments aimed at studying human heart health. “Wayne State has been trying to keep this a secret for a very long time,” said Ryan Merkley, the committee’s director of research advocacy in Washington, DC. He claims hundreds of dogs have suffered and died since 1991 due to outdated research practices.
Public records reveal that at least 152 dogs have been either euthanized or found dead at Wayne State since 2010. Merkley highlights the tragic case of “Dog No. 3002,” who was euthanized after failing to run on a treadmill during an experiment. “They made excuses and rushed to kill him,” he stated, emphasizing that the dog was adoptable according to an outside veterinarian.
Wayne State has not publicly commented on these serious allegations but provided a letter to Local 4 explaining the veterinarian’s recommendation for euthanasia. However, the Physicians’ Committee argues that this decision violated Teddy’s Law, which mandates that laboratories must offer adoptable animals a chance for new homes.
The advocacy group is calling for an official investigation, marking a potential first under Teddy’s Law, which was enacted just a couple of years ago. “Last we heard, the agencies are looking into it, and we’re hoping they’ll launch an investigation,” Merkley said.
In response to growing public concern, there is also the potential for Queenie’s Law to pass, which would end these controversial experiments at the state level. Authorities are expected to provide updates on the investigation into Wayne State’s practices soon, with many animal rights supporters watching closely to see if any changes will come from this urgent situation.
As the situation develops, animal advocates are calling for immediate reforms and greater transparency regarding the treatment of research animals. The emotional toll and ethical implications of this case have sparked broader discussions about animal rights and the future of research practices.
Stay tuned for updates on this pressing issue as authorities investigate the allegations against Wayne State University.
