PETA claims monkey died ‘painful death' at OHSU research center, requests investigation
PORTLAND, Ore. () — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is calling on federal leaders to investigate an Oregon research center after a monkey died a 'painful death' while in its care.
In a sent to the director of the National Institutes for Health's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, PETA urged the Division of Compliance Oversight to probe the Oregon National Primate Research Center.
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Located on Oregon Health and Science University's West campus in Beaverton, the facility has been accused of ignoring the symptoms of a Japanese macaque that died from sepsis last October. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited this incident in its inspection report from March 4.
The a technician neglected to notify a veterinarian when the 4-year-old female monkey was found 'lying down multiple times' the day before her death.
'The failure to report unexpected signs of illness/distress such as repeatedly lying down to ensure timely delivery of veterinary medical care directly impacted the welfare of this animal,' USDA wrote.
The department further noted that several other animals spent 96 hours in an enclosure that did not meet regulators' minimum space requirements.
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Amy Meyer, associate director of PETA's primate experimentation campaigns, argued the facility is likely in noncompliance with NIH's Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
'We urge your office to thoroughly investigate the failures detailed in the USDA inspection report and assess whether OHSU has complied with its obligation to self-report problems in its laboratories,' Meyer wrote. 'Prompt and decisive action is warranted to address these apparent violations and to help prevent future lapses in oversight and animal welfare.'
The facility has received plenty of backlash from animal rights activists and, in response, researchers held an of their work just a few weeks ago. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has asked OHSU to close the center in response to the pushback, but the institution contends it is committed to providing humane treatment.
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The university also 'implemented measures to prevent a recurrence' of the death at the center of PETA's complaint, according to its statement to KOIN 6.
'Dozens of highly trained veterinary professionals engage with these animals daily to ensure their ongoing safety, enrichment, health and well-being,' OHSU said. 'These dedicated individuals develop strong bonds with the animals entrusted to their care — often for many years, and, in some cases, decades – so, the unexpected death of any animal is distressing, and their passing is grieved.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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