New England Anti-vivisection Society (NEAVS)

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LPAG Turns ‘One’

Say ‘No’ to Status Quo for Primates in Research Labs
The Laboratory Primate Advocacy Group (LPAG), which works to end the use of non-human primates in research, says we must all lend a hand to improve care at U.S. research facilities because the status quo is unacceptable.
(Photo of Dora.)

> LPAG Responds to ORPRC Claims
Point-by-point letter refuting ORPRC’s "explanations" by LPAG members.

(Winter 2002) — In October 2001, the Laboratory Primate Advocacy Group (LPAG) officially turned one year old. Co-founded by Rachel Weiss and Jessica Ganas, LPAG works to promote the interests of nonhuman primates currently held captive in research and to end the use of nonhuman primates in biomedical research.

The LPAG represents individuals with more than 35 years of combined experience working with nonhuman
primates at 16 primate research institutions, breeding facilities, sanctuaries, and zoos throughout the U.S. as well as two overseas field sites. According to Weiss and Ganas, "The status quo of primate care at research facilities in the U.S. is unacceptable, and the minimum requirements mandated by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) are weak and often detrimental to the physical and psychological well-being of primates in labs."

Weiss and Ganas know whereof they speak. Both were formerly primate caregivers at the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center in Atlanta, Georgia. And both are keenly aware that staff members at research facilities are virtually powerless to change situations and conditions that they find unacceptable. The LPAG seeks to support ex- and current lab workers, and to address the mistreatment and discrediting of lab workers speaking out on behalf of nonhuman primates.

LPAG is working currently to improve conditions for monkeys at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center (ORPRC), spurred on by the shocking and heart-rending video and photo images gathered in Matt Rossell’s investigation and by ORPRC’s subsequent explanations for the condition of the monkeys. The footage exposes the truth about the day-to-day horrors, suffering, boredom, and lack of social housing endured by the ORPRC captives. LPAG terms many of ORPRC’s explanations "inadequate, inaccurate, and misleading."

According to LPAG, many of the monkeys are exhibiting abnormal behaviors, attributable to early forced weaning and separation from their mothers. LPAG is also asking that all single-housed animals be pair- or group-housed, that psychological well-being staff increase the number of visits, and that certain protocols by reassessed and/or terminated immediately.

Conclude Weiss and Ganas, "ORPRC, like other labs, repeatedly attempts to distract the public using the claim of benefits to humans to justify its conditions. Based on our experience, we believe that the employees of ORPRC and other research institutions have become desensitized, which is why the status quo and AWA’s minimum standards have become acceptable. It is important that the public be informed about what occurs behind closed doors at publicly funded institutions. Let’s let the public decide if the research being conducted is worth the sacrifice these intelligent individuals are forced to make."

NEAVS encourages those who truly care, especially those who are currently working in research labs, to contact NEAVS for information on how to help animals in research. And for a point-by-point letter refuting ORPRC’s "explanations," visit LPAG Responds.

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