ETSU Admits to Violating Federal Law in Unapproved Animal Experiments

Photo byJimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is under scrutiny following revelations that its laboratory staff conducted unapproved experiments leading to the deaths of dozens of animals. The allegations were brought to light by an Ohio-based watchdog group, Stop Animal Exploitation NOW! (SAEN), have sparked significant concern over the university’s adherence to federal regulations governing animal research.

SAEN, a national watchdog organization that monitors research facilities across the United States for illegal activities, recently released several unpublished reports from ETSU. These reports reveal that university staff performed unauthorized procedures that resulted in the deaths of numerous animals, violating federal law. In one of the most egregious incidents, an experiment involving sepsis led to the deaths of 30 animals, while seven others were euthanized after the onset of severe health issues.

Details of Violations

According to SAEN, the sepsis experiment was suspended after the discovery of multiple noncompliance issues. An unpublished noncompliance report disclosed that ETSU staff failed to euthanize animals experiencing "lateral recumbency, hypothermia, and non-responsiveness"—conditions that should have triggered immediate euthanasia under the approved protocol. The report also highlighted that the anesthesia used in the experiment was an expired drug solution mixed three months prior, which may have contributed to the animals’ deaths due to the toxic compounds produced as the drug aged.

ETSU has responded to the violations by suspending the animal use privileges of the staff for six months, effective at the end of business on May 14, 2024. However, SAEN has criticized this response as insufficient, arguing that the university's administration has failed to enforce federal regulations adequately. Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., SAEN's executive director, expressed his concerns, stating, “It is quite clear that the ETSU administration has failed to enforce federal regulations properly. ETSU researchers think that they are above the law and can perform whatever procedures they like without IACUC approval, regardless of whether the animals live or die.”

Broader Implications and Accountability

SAEN is now calling for a complete halt to all animal experiments at ETSU to determine if further violations have occurred. The organization is also advocating for firing all staff connected to these incidents and refunding any public or private funding associated with the compromised projects.

ETSU has not provided detailed comments on the specific allegations but has stated that it is committed to ethical research practices and compliance with all federal regulations. The university is conducting an internal review to address the issues raised and ensure such incidents do not recur.

National Context and Expert Opinions

The situation at ETSU is not isolated; concerns over animal welfare in research are a national issue. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees animal research facilities under the Animal Welfare Act, there have been numerous noncompliance at various institutions across the country. The USDA has the authority to inspect research facilities, issue fines, and enforce corrective actions when violations are found.

Animal welfare organizations and research ethicists emphasize the importance of strict adherence to protocols approved by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs), designed to ensure animal humane treatment in research. Dr. Larry Carbone, a veterinarian and animal research ethics expert, notes that while animal research is crucial for medical and scientific advancements, it must be conducted within the framework of ethical guidelines and federal laws to prevent unnecessary suffering.

"Any deviation from approved protocols not only jeopardizes the welfare of the animals but also undermines the integrity of the research," Carbone said. "Institutions have a responsibility to enforce strict compliance and take immediate corrective actions when violations occur."

Conclusion

The revelations at ETSU underscore the ongoing debate over animal welfare in research and the need for rigorous oversight to ensure compliance with federal laws. As the university faces increased scrutiny, the outcomes of its internal review and any subsequent actions by federal authorities will be closely watched by the academic community and animal rights advocates.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)
• Stop Animal Exploitation NOW! (SAEN)
• Elizabethton Star: ETSU Admits Breaking Law, More Animal Abuse