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October 25, 2000 Members of the Institutional Care and Use Committee: As members of the University of Texas community who are deeply interested in the University's treatment of animals, we applaud Dr. Fineg's recommendation to discontinue the use of dogs for tissue studies as of January 1st 2001. While we are pleased by these developments, we write today to encourage this Committee to consider taking further steps in this important direction. We support the recommendation to end the use of dogs for tissue research. But in addition, we write today asking for a Committee decision to prohibit any future experimentation on canines in any instance. As I am sure you are aware, the trend in universities at this time is to reduce, or in many instances, eliminate animal research, particularly in connection to medical schools. Prestigious universities such as Dartmouth Medical School, Stanford University and Yale University have removed all animal testing lab requirements as part of their curriculum. In February, 2000, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine eliminated the terminal dog lab. These developments were the result of both scientific and ethical concerns voiced by both students and faculty. The University of Texas could send a powerful message by aligning itself with this trend, and requiring researchers to find alternatives to using dogs for experimentation. As an organization committed to animal protection and public education, we feel it is necessary to shine a brighter light on activities taking place at the Animal Research Center. Your decision today could signal a commitment to progressive and ethical research, or it could demonstrate a refusal to move forward in a timely manner. Students are concerned about the University's research practices involving animals. Their concerns should be accounted for. Sincerely, Students Against Cruelty to Animals Contact: |