Teaching Abuse: University of Nevada at Reno Facing Allegations of Animal Abuse, Neglect, and Violations of Federal Safety Guidelines
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The following is a list of alleged abuses at UNR reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal:
• Thirty-eight pregnant sheep found dead after being left without food or water
• Malnourished cows who had to be nursed back to health by a graduate student (Read a UNR veterinarian’s report about the condition of the herd.)
• The improper disposal of dead sheep who have had human stem cells implanted into them (The sheep, whose organs are partially human, are tossed into open pits where they are accessible to coyotes and other animals, in violation of federal law and safety guidelines.)
• A herd of pigs deprived of water and proper care (The pigs were found foaming at the mouth allegedly suffering from dehydration and stress.)
• Dead coyotes who had been shot just 600 yards away from an elementary school After years of denial, UNR finally admitted that it was providing animal parts to federal trappers so that they could lure coyotes to the farm and shoot them.
Instead of looking into the allegations of animal neglect and suffering and taking action, administrators at UNR have decided to take revenge against the university professor, Hussein S. Hussein, who tried to stop these abuses.
Dr. Hussein, an internationally known animal nutritionist and 2002 UNR Professor of the Year, alleges that he and several of his graduate students are now the targets of intimidation and harassment by university administrators and the UNR police department. Dr. Hussein has found hidden cameras placed outside his laboratory door and has been questioned by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents who were contacted by university administrators concerning “homeland security” issues. The FBI has since dropped its inquiry.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investigating the allegations of animal abuse and witness intimidation.
Please ask the USDA to charge the University of Nevada at Reno (license # 88-R-0001) with violations of the Animal Welfare Act and to fine and sanction UNR for retaliating against Dr. Hussein for blowing the whistle on animal abuse.
Please also ask the NIH to immediately halt the transgenic sheep experiments of UNR professor Esmail Zanjani until questions regarding the violation of federal safety laws and procedures can be thoroughly investigated.
Robert M. Gibbens, D.V.M.
Director, Western Region
USDA, APHIS, Animal Care
2150 Centre Ave.
Bldg. B, MS 3W11
Ft. Collins, CO 80526
970-494-7478
970-494-7460 (fax)
acwest@aphis.usda.gov
Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D.
Director
National Institutes of Health
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
301-496-2433
ez26y@nih.gov
