The University of Minnesota has had eight “critical” issues labeled during USDA inspections in 2024. This is the only college or university in Minnesota to receive this label, according to a report by the National Anti-Vivisection Society. The lab sites in St. Paul, Spring Valley, and Duluth had no issues.
Critical issues include those that directly impact animal health and welfare. Meredith Blanchard, senior management of advocacy and policy at the National Anti-Vivisection Society, said these violations are “far less typical” than minor ones. The report was verified using the USDA’s website.
The University of Minnesota has a large number of animals used for research in its labs, including nearly 500 pigs, 400 guinea pigs, 350 hamsters, and over 250 primates and sheep. In 2023, there were two instances where monkeys went without water for four days because an employee signed off on checking the water valve twice a day. The worker was no longer allowed to work with animals after this incident.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/usda-reports-cite-critical-issues-in-university-of-minnesota-animal-labs/601494909