Animal Care Facility Faces Scrutiny

Courtesy of symptomsofwormsinadog.com

The animal care facility in the new science building on UVU's campus is under the microscope. The facility contains two holding rooms, a procedure room, and is a portal for future animal research at UVU. I was given a tour of the room and given details about projects that are in the near future for the facility.

The animal care facility will give students better educational opportunities and could help UVU get grants for research. However, there are some who are concerned about the possible lack of transparency and the mistreatment of animals.

“First of all, that building is going to be there for the next 50-75 years,” said Mark Bracken, department chair of the Biology department. He explained that they do not plan on using the room for animal research right now or anytime soon. “We are anticipating that in some point of time that there may be some animal research that does occur,” said Bracken.

Bracken explained that UVU is a school that has evolved rather quickly in the past 15 years. He also explained the school does not have big enough facilities to do research and if they did do any, it would be very limited. He explained that in the years to come the goals of the university could change to doing research and getting grants

The anticipation of future animal research at UVU has raised concerns. “The problem is, it’s too much of a temptation for science departments to start testing on animals” said Karen Mizell, associate chair of the Philosophy department.

Mizell explained that if the science department were to consider doing animal testing in the future, they would have to put together an animal care review committee and currently, UVU does not have one. “I’ve had real concerns. Even if people right now aren’t going to do it, someone is going to come in and want to do it,” said Mizell.

“Between Hollywood and a lack of information, sometimes an impression people have is that animals are not treated as humanely as we could possibly do it and I do not agree with that,” said Dr. Heather Wilson, an associate professor of the Biology department. Dr. Wilson explained before she became a scientist that she was against animal research. She mentioned when she has done research at different schools in the past, every effort was made to ensure the animals were being treated properly.

According to Dr. Wilson, most of her students currently do their labs on a computer. However, the new animal care facility would give students the opportunity to work with animals. Dr. Wilson said her students were excited to hear about the new facility.

Courtesy of telegraph.co.uk

Chris Foster, a philosophy professor on campus said he is not in favor of animal research however, he is in favor of transparency about any actions taken in the animal care facility, “I’d be a lot happier,” he said. Foster suggested that cameras be put in the labs and that inspections should be on a regular basis.

“I love my university, but, I hope that doesn’t mean that we turn to the way of others universities in terms of researching on non-human animals,” said Foster. “I hope to remain proud of my university as an ethics centered school.”

Dr. Virginia Bayer, assistant professor of Biology, gave me a tour of the animal care facility and explained several projects they are considering in the near future.

“We have some animals that we’d like to do some breeding projects on to try to increase their numbers,” said Dr. Bayer. She explained they are trying to help animals that are endangered. The Blue Eyed Blonde California King Snake and the Standing’s Day gecko, are some of the reptiles the department plans to help breed.

“The goal of the facility is to increase awareness about conservation efforts,” said Dr. Bayer. Dr. Bayer explained they plan to use the room to showcase animals that are endangered and to discuss issues as to why they have become endangered, and things that they can do to help the animals.

“UVU is predominately a teaching institution, so we are not a tier one research institution. Research capabilities at this point are essentially non-existent when it comes to animal research,” said Dr. Bayer. “The only thing anyone could get upset with, are the animals being housed incorrectly. As far as anyone is concerned for animal welfare, I think we are meeting all the needs for that.”