University drops claims of 24/7 ‘care’ at research laboratories
Imperial College London has admitted it does not provide ‘round the clock checks’ for animals used in experiments at the university’s research facilities. The college was forced to drop claims to provide 24/7 cover for the animals by care staff when we exposed their statement as misleading.
An annual report on animal research published by the university last year suggested that 24-hour ‘care’ was provided for animals kept in its laboratories. However, in March, we filed a Freedom of Information request that confirmed the lack of 24 hour checks at their research facility.
It revealed that on most days animals are left unsupervised between 5pm and 8am, and checks occur even less frequently on weekends and bank holidays.
Finally, the latest version of the annual report released by the university last month no longer makes this false claim.
We revealed in an undercover investigation at the college that it operated only basic 8am to 5pm checks by staff for the animals suffering in experiments, even after highly invasive surgery such as double kidney transplants and induced heart attacks.
Dr Katy Taylor, Director of Science at Cruelty Free International, said: “We are pleased to see that in their recent report Imperial College London make no claims about ‘round the clock’ or ‘24/7 care’. We remain disappointed however that the College has so far failed to respond to the request by the independent review to increase its care regime for the animals suffering in its laboratories.”