Colombia’s Ministry of Science has opened an investigation into the animal abuse of up to 127 squirrel monkeys in a publicly funded scientific malaria research project, some of which have already been euthanized.
«We are conducting a survey of internal information related to monitoring and follow-up supports for these projects. In addition, we will ask the researchers involved to comment on these allegations and send the supports they deem necessary,» Luna explained in a thread posted on Twitter.
The allegations of possible animal mistreatment came to light thanks to the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which reported that monkeys were being mistreated and sacrificed at the Caucaseco Scientific Research Center Limited and the Primate Center Foundation.
According to the complaint, the animals live in cramped cages and have their intestines cut open as part of a scientific experiment at a facility in El Hormiguero, Cali.
«Once we have all the consolidated information, we will ask the control entities and competent authorities to carry out the pertinent investigations and take the necessary actions», said Luna.
The research aims to achieve a vaccine against malaria. The Corporación Autónoma Regional del Valle (CVC), which is responsible for environmental matters, has already initiated a sanctioning process and the Procuraduría para asuntos ambientales has already been notified.
«An aggravating factor is that the permits for scientific research were not found. It should be noted that the squirrel monkeys were not part of the investigation, but of a previous one, and were left in the care of the foundation,» said the CVC.
The authorities must now decide the fate of the monkeys, as they cannot be released because they were inoculated with malaria and therefore pose a biological risk to the human population. CVC has requested advice from the National Institute of Health in order to make an informed decision once their transfer to a Wildlife Care and Assessment Center has been ruled out.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
