University of Memphis Fined for Animal Welfare Violations

The University of Memphis has been fined $15,000 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) following the deaths of more than two dozen research animals. This penalty is the result of a settlement addressing six violations of the Animal Welfare Act that occurred between April 2022 and March 2024.

According to USDA documents, the university failed to provide adequate ventilation in indoor housing facilities, resulting in the deaths of 12 voles in April 2022 due to an HVAC unit malfunction in the life sciences building. Additionally, from July 19 to August 22, 2022, 15 mole rats either died or were euthanized, which the university attributed to environmental conditions that led to aggressive behavior among the animals.

Further violations included inadequate enclosures that did not protect the animals from injury. The USDA’s findings highlighted significant lapses in the university’s animal care protocols.

Michael Budkie, co-founder of the Animal rights group Stop Animal Exploitation Now, criticized the fine as insufficient, calling it “nothing more than a slap on the wrist.” He emphasized that the value of the 30 animals that died or were injured exceeds the financial penalty imposed.

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