Target: Chancellor Douglas Girod, University of Kansas Medical Center
Goal: Permanently suspend all research projects involving alleged animal mistreatment and prohibit those responsible from working with animals again.
A disturbing internal investigation reportedly revealed severe mistreatment of animal subjects at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). Allegations state that one lab rat was found dead, another suffered from a sloughed tail and hindlimb, and that rats underwent multiple unauthorized surgeries, including a “jugular vein cutdown,” without pain relief or appropriate care. Even more troubling, 70 rats remain unaccounted for between June and October.
This lab, led by pathology and laboratory medicine chair Long Zheng, has been identified as having the “highest rate of noncompliance on campus” regarding rat colony management. While three research projects have been suspended, they remain eligible for reinstatement if corrective actions are taken. Animal welfare advocates insist that the severity of this noncompliance warrants permanent termination of the projects and a ban on those responsible from working with animals in the future.
If the allegations prove true, the animals subjected to this neglect and unauthorized experimentation suffered unnecessary pain and death. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further cruelty and ensure accountability. The University of Kansas Medical Center must set a clear precedent: animal abuse and noncompliance in research will not be tolerated.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Chancellor Douglas Girod,
An internal report has exposed apparent severe animal mistreatment and noncompliance within a research lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Alleged findings include a rat discovered dead, another with a sloughed tail and hindlimb, and multiple unauthorized surgeries, including “jugular vein cutdowns,” conducted without appropriate pain relief or surgical care. Additionally, 70 rats are reportedly unaccounted for over several months.
This lab, led by pathology and laboratory medicine chair Long Zheng, has the highest rate of noncompliance on campus regarding rat colony management. While the affected projects have been temporarily suspended, reinstating them after corrective measures would fail to address the gravity of these violations. The lack of oversight and ethical treatment resulted in profound suffering and death for these animals.
We urge you to take decisive action by permanently terminating the research projects involved and prohibiting all staff responsible for these violations from working with animals again. These measures are critical to uphold ethical research standards, protect animal welfare, and restore public trust in your institution.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Tombako The Jaguar
