New England Anti-vivisection Society (NEAVS)

To: The Honorable Michael O. Johanns
Secretary of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture

I am no stranger to the world of animal research. My perspective is informed. The recently released PETA footage of Covance is among some of the worse that I have seen. I categorize the cruelties that go on in research labs everyday as either routine, unusually appalling or outright sadistic. When animal handlers ridicule, mock, get revengeful or physically aggressive in response to an animal's pain, suffering and pathetically futile attempts to defend him/herself, we have clearly entered the realm of sadistic abuse. These individuals are paid to perform a job not to add to the already immense suffering and fear of animal research victims. While I abhor the suffering that goes on every day in research labs across the nation, I am sickened when I see the level of inhumanity my own species can be reduced to. This literally and not just figuratively makes my blood boil. I know I am not alone. Every person of reason or compassion abhors sadistic cruelty. Since the USDA has an obligation to monitor violations of the Animal Welfare Act, I expect nothing less than "throwing the book" at a lab caught on tape, irrefutable evidence, of violations. However, as an agent of a moral nation, you also have an obligation to condemn the sadistically cruel atrocities you witness on this tape -- regardless of whether or not there is a section of the AWA allowing or requiring such condemnation. Judges give their ruling based on law. Yet, they have been known, in cases particularly egregious, to personally express their disgust and condemnation of the acts. USDA should show the moral courage to do just that with Covance. On behalf of the citizens you represent, it is your obligation to find Covance's violations in non-compliance with the AWA. Further, I implore you also to accept an obligation to condemn the inhumanity of this lab. Sadly, moral courage is becoming a rare commodity in our nation. Few are willing to speak the truth. As Secretary of Agriculture, I ask you to take a stand and help lead us to a society where such egregious cruelty is condemned by all. Finally, for all of the criticism PETA has taken over the years, from the media, animal abusing industries and some government offices, we can ALWAYS depend of them to find out the truth...a noble commitment undeserving of the criticism they have endured by those whose only mission is to cover those very same truths up.

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