November 6, 2018
Do Not Forget to Vote Today!
The Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) has shared their endorsed candidate lists for both state and federal races. Many of these candidates carry a high probability of opposing animal research, if elected. As you head to the polls, it is just as important to know where the candidates stand on the animal rights/animal research issue as it is to help elected leaders understand the importance of animal research once they are in office. Please be sure to check this endorsement list as you head to the polls!
Time is Running out to Comment on NABR’s DOT Complaint – Docket Closes Dec. 6
The Department of Transportation (DOT) will be closing the docket for NABR’s formal complaint regarding the transportation of research animals. Individuals and institutions have until December 6th to add their voices to the discussion. NABR views the closing of the docket as a positive development, indicating the DOT is likely to act on the complaint. If you have not already voiced your support, please take a moment to do so now. Instructions on how to post a comment/letter can be found on NABR’s website. You can view the full list of institutions who have submitted letters of support here: https://www.nabr.org/please-file-letters-of-support-for-nabr-dot-complaint/. NABR would like to thank The Poultry Science Association Inc., European College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, and University of Illinois at Chicago for submitting letters of support since our last request.
NIH’s ORIP Publishes NHP Evaluation and Analysis; Predicts Increased Demand
The National Institutes of Health published an 82-page document on non-human primates (NHPs) entitled, “Nonhuman Primate Evaluation and Analysis.” An important section of note in this document is the recognition there will likely be an increased demand in the research community for NHPs over the next five years, while the ability to meet that demand is questioned. That section can be read in full below:
“Historical NHP Use, Forecasts, and Operating Information from Major NHP Service Providers
Historical trends reported by several NIH-sponsored NHP centers, as well as quantitative forecasts and qualitative predictions of these centers and other major academic and commercial NHP service providers point to an increase in researchers’ demand for rhesus macaques and marmosets over the coming 5 years, a prediction supported by supply shortages that are currently being experienced at several centers. There is significant uncertainty as to the ability of the rhesus macaque colonies at the seven NPRCs and the Caribbean Primate Research Center to meet the predicted increase in demand for rhesus macaques in the near term. This is due to infrastructure limitations as well as the inherent long lead times involved in increasing colony production and the availability of sufficiently mature animals for study. While there may exist some additional capacity to address the predicted increase in demand within academic centers or commercial organizations not presently supported by the NIH, it is unclear whether these organizations will be able to produce sufficient numbers of animals and also be willing and able to address all the needs of the academic community, since many of these organizations focus on commercial or Federal customers and operate under a different paradigm from the more academic focused NIH-sponsored NHP centers.”
TAMU Targeting over Canine DMD Research Continues
After People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) infiltrators released a video of a golden retriever used in Texas A&M’s (TAMU) Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) research, the university has continued to be barraged by negative comments and publicity. Recently, Nikki Sixx, Motley Crue’s bassist, teamed up with PETA and wrote to TAMU’s President demanding that the research be ended. In an article in “Rolling Stone”, both Sixx’s request and TAMU’s response are detailed. In TAMU’s response, the university capitalizes on their opportunity to correct misconceptions and discuss the importance of their research. In a macabre stunt, PETA even sent TAMU's President a fake heart as a birthday gift.
Animal Research’s Return on Investment
In an op-ed published by The Hill, animal research’s return on investment is explored. The op-ed calls out the White Coat Waste Project campaign that veils it’s animal rights agenda by marketing themselves as a group against taxpayer waste. It is explained that animal research investments fund therapies such as mitochondrial transplantation which now save child-cardiac patients, and hopefully adults in the near future. As the number of lives saved by the therapy increase, the “cost per individual” for the initial research will continue to decrease. |
