Results of UW Pig Experiment Contradict Taser Manufacturer's Animal Data
Professor John Webster has concluded his infamous experiments on live pigs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW), and his “shocking” discovery is that Tasering pigs is very different from Tasering humans.
Based on a report authored by Taser International consultant Wayne McDaniel—along with Robert Stratbucker and Max Nerheim, who conducted tests on pigs and concluded that Tasers were safe—Webster expected to prove his hypothesis that Tasers cannot electrocute the heart. But Webster has now posted an abstract on his Web site with results that he did not anticipate: “It is possible to cause ventricular fibrillation in pigs using a Taser [electro-muscular disruption] device.” The experimenters were also able to induce ventricular fibrillation in all the animals. Webster realized that this is because pigs are naturally protected from electrocution by thick layers of fat and muscle that are not found in humans. In a recent e-mail to PETA, Webster explained that Taser’s animal data initially led him to think that “it was not possible to electrocute the heart with a Taser. Working with colleagues who understand the differences between pigs and humans, we changed our mind.” When Webster shocked the pigs after removing the animals’ extra tissue in order to approximate the thickness found in humans, the Taser was a far cry from a nonlethal weapon.
After PETA pointed out Stratbucker’s employment at Taser International, he was ejected from his paid consultancy on the UW Taser experiment. The university ignored our effort to oust McDaniel, who was also a consultant for the UW experiment, for the same conflict of interests. (Of course, PETA also pointed out the fact that reasonable comparisons cannot be made between pigs and humans.)
Taser International’s Animal-Based Safety Assertions Called Into Question
The UW results directly contradict Taser International’s conclusions, which the company based on its own history of animal experiments, including a series of tests on pigs in a home garage and at a “horse facility” in Phoenix, as well as its participation in Air Force experiments on conscious pigs. Despite the rising number of Taser-related deaths, the company continues to assert that its product is safe.
What Does This Say About Testing on Animals?
No sooner had Webster posted his findings than Taser almost simultaneously issued a news release announcing yet another recent pig experiment with the incredible headline “Cleveland Clinic Study Shows That Cocaine Actually Increases the Taser Safety Margin.”Once again, this new Taser study fails to consider that pig physiology naturally prevents cardiac electrocution. And guess who funded the experiment? It was Taser International.
Animal Tests Discredited
Taser experiments on animals are crude and cruel, and the experiments’ variables are subject to manipulation, even when nearly identical experiments are performed. How many more animals must die before Taser’s researchers and manufacturers will be convinced that human data is the only information that is relevant to humans?
Webster has said that he has “not applied for future grants.” This is excellent newsgiven the fact that grant extensions and variations on the theme of Tasering animals seem to be popular with funding agencies.
Tell the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) that you don’t want any more taxpayer-funded Taser “surprises”! Urge the NIJ to fund studies of human populations and stop testing weapons on animals:
Glenn Schmitt, Acting Director
National Institute of Justice
810 Seventh St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20531
glenn.schmitt@usdoj.gov
202-307-2942
202-307-6394 (fax)
Tell Taser CEO Rick Smith that enough is enough and that experimenting on animals does not prove anything:
Rick Smith, CEO
Taser International
17800 N. 85th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
rick@taser.com
480-978-2000
1-800-978-2737
Get Active:
Please write immediately to Rick Smith and to Glenn Schmitt.
Spread the word.
