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APS Calls for Michigan Pounds to Resume Research Animal Releases
Two Michigan counties recently announced they would no longer allow pound animals already scheduled for euthanasia to be released instead for medical research. Previously, unwanted dogs and cats had been sold either directly to nearby research facilities or else to USDA-licensed animal dealers that transported them to facilities farther away. Michigan’s Gladwin and Jackson Counties were subject to misleading information and public pressure generated by organizations such as PETA. These anti-research groups made misleading statements both about the nature of the research and about the role of research involving pound animals in medical discovery.
The American Physiological Society sent letters to the Boards of Commissioners of Gladwin and Jackson Counties to explain the strict regulatory oversight that ensures humane treatment of research animals. The letters also explained that non-purpose-bred animals such as those scheduled for euthanasia in pounds provide important research models for the study of diseases where advanced age and genetic diversity are crucial characteristics.
Researchers are encouraged to send their own letters asking the Gladwin and Jackson County Commissioners to reverse their position.