MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The University of Memphis (U of M) has been fined $15,100 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for federal crimes involving animal abuse, specifically the death/injuries of 30 animals from 2022 to 2024, according to SAEN.
In June, SAEN, an independent national research watchdog that has filed four federal complaints against the university, announced that the U of M had been charged "for breaking federal law in the negligent deaths of several animals in its research program."
On July 10, it was announced that the U of M was hit with a federal fine for animal abuse.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture fine document, the U of M was accused of lacking proper ventilation for the animals, lack of proper handling and failing to make enclosures to protect birds from injury.
The executive director of SAEN said the fine is “nothing more than a slap on the wrist for the University of Memphis" and that "the 30 animals who died or were injured are likely worth more than this fine."
SAEN said the violations assessed against the U of M included 12 vole deaths by overheating/suffocation, 15 mole rat deaths connected to injuries, two hamster deaths following injuries and a bird injury.
“While a penalty of any size is still an animal abuse conviction, a $15,100 fine has no punitive value for a facility as large as University of Memphis whose 2023 research budget is over $86,000,000,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., SAEN executive director. “USDA officials could have hit University of Memphis with a fine over $380,000."
In response to the fine, the University of Memphis sent ABC24 the following statement:
"The University of Memphis takes its research responsibilities seriously and the University of Memphis Animal Care and Use Program strives to ensure the humane and ethical use of animals in research, complying with all applicable regulations, laws and University Policies. More information can be found at memphis.edu/research/researchers/compliance/animalcareanduse.php."
