UC Davis Sued Over Primate Center Expansion

Animal Protection Institute
Monday, 7 January 2002

The Animal Protection Institute (API) & In Defense of Animals (IDA) filed a lawsuit Friday (January 4) seeking to block the proposed expansion of the California Regional Primate Research Center (CRPRC) at UC Davis.

In the complaint to the California Superior Court in Yolo County, API & IDA contend UCD's Environmental Impact Report (EIR) does not comply with required state environmental regulations. In that report, UCD acknowledges several "significant, unavoidable impacts" to the environment. The main points in challenging the EIR are UCD's failure to analyze the no-animal testing alternative, as well as its improper reliance on prior Environmental Impact Reports. API & IDA are asking the Court to set aside proposed Primate Center projects until UCD complies with CEQA regulations.

UCD is pushing to expand the Center's research & breeding programs, arguing it must meet an increased demand for animals in research. However, UCD admits in its EIR that the use of non-animal alternative research techniques is "environmentally superior," and maintains that animal experiments should only be authorized when all other alternatives have been exhausted, which has yet to be done. Yet UCD dismisses the no-animal testing alternative in favor of an alleged need for animal research. In reviewing the EIR, API & IDA found no clear justification to support the need for 750 additional rhesus macaque monkeys for invasive research, or the ability to provide adequate health care. Scientifically, it is nearly impossible to take data from experiments on one species and apply those results to members of other species. However, that "need" conspicuously coincides with large National Institutes of Health funds available for primate center expansion and animal-based experimentation.

"This is a time when a clear majority of the public desires a reduction in the number of primates used in research," says API Executive Director Alan Berger. "The certification of the Primate Center must be set aside and come into compliance with the law."

According to IDA President Elliot Katz, the lawsuit aims to delay expansion, but the intent is more reaching. "We are opposed to any expansion of the primate center, for it is time to reallocate funds from animal-based testing to non-animal testing," says Katz.

The Animal Protection Institute (API), a Sacramento-based national non-profit animal advocacy organization with 85,000 members, including 18,000 Californians, has expertise in rescuing & rehabilitating primates, operating a sanctuary which houses over 400 primates, many retired from research facilities. In Defense of Animals is also a national non-profit animal advocacy group, based in Mill Valley, with 80,000 members.

For more information, or to contact Animal Protection Institute, see their website at: www.api4animals.org