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Now-closed UMass marmoset lab euthanized its colony of monkeys

AMHERST — Researchers at a now-closed University of Massachusetts Amherst monkey laboratory that's long been a target of animal rights activists euthanized 13 remaining marmosets in May. PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, learned of the euthanization through a public records request. PETA has long decried what it calls inhumane treatment at the lab once run by Agnès Lacreuse. Over the years PETA described how PETA described how laboratory staff drilled holes in marmosets' skulls to implant electrodes, cut into their necks and threaded wires through their bodies. Protests against the lab over the years have included celebrities including actor and Massachusetts native Casey Affleck and his mother Chris Anne Boldt. In a statement on her website Lacreuse defended the animals' treatment, saying the marmosets, small monkeys native to Brazil, are key to understanding aging, Alzheimer's disease and women's health issues including breast cancer and menopause. In a written statement, UMass said the lab closed because it recently completed research funded with a National Institutes of Health grant. Lacreuse, on her website, took the explanation a step further, saying she declined to apply for more funding because of changes at NIH. 'Current efforts to destroy science and slash research funding undermine my ability to continue support for nonhuman primate research at UMass,' she said. UMass said in a statement emailed Wednesday in response to questions that the marmosets were humanely euthanized as planned to examine neural tissue toward understanding Alzheimer's disease and complete the study. PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo also said that euthanasia was always part of the experimental design. But she focused on the news that there would be no more monkeys at the lab. 'It's heartbreaking that this laboratory stole so many lives, but there will be no more torment for these or any other marmosets by this experimenter,' Guillermo said in a written statement. Stories by Jim Kinney Demolition to begin at vacant Mary Lane Hospital campus in Ware 'I see people holding back,' but retailers hope for tax-free boost this weekend Businessman revives PAC to boost Latino voter engagement. This time with safeguards Read the original article on MassLive. Solve the daily Crossword