A report from the “Krone” caused a lot of commotion last week. Leaked recordings showed sad images from the University of Vienna’s monkey laboratory and suggested grievances. During a meeting with the media and animal rights activists, the institute management could not dispel the drastic allegations.
After the exposed article was published, it was not only our readers who revolted, but there were also tensions within the university. Dean Karl-Heinz Wagner invited the “Krone” to come and see for themselves at any time – but an appointment scheduled for Tuesday morning was canceled at short notice on Monday evening.
Problems with planning
However, after the “Krone” had persistently insisted on a timely appointment, the time came on Wednesday. They answered questions from the press and were given a tour of the building, which was occupied only a few years ago. The two caged rooms shown house a total of about ten animals, about half of the entire population of test monkeys. How or where the other ten animals live was not shown.
Beautiful plants for cleaned cages
The facility looked as clean and tidy as you would expect when meeting with visitors. Fresh plants with a price tag on the pot complete the impression that you want to create a particularly good picture.
But it’s not about optical aspects at all; the pressing questions do not revolve around superficialities. It concerns basic matters, such as the legal framework within which all this takes place. For example, there is still uncertainty about the prescribed cage sizes.
Animal testing, yes or no?
According to a statement from the university, controlled livestock farming falls under ‘laboratory animal farming’, but the experiments with the animals themselves are not classified as animal testing and do not appear in the official animal testing statistics. But what is it?
To answer other open questions, such as the medical condition of the animals, an overview of the past ten years would be needed. Only health data and test results can refute the accusation of malnutrition and the possible consequential damage. All relevant questions were referred to the responsible ministry.
Many questions still remain unanswered
“The university promised us that it would answer all outstanding questions in a transparent process, but at the same time referred us to the ministry of Martin Polaschek. We have done that and are waiting for comprehensive answers, because we still have legitimate doubts as to whether the monkeys are really doing well and whether careful work has been done here. “We owe this not only to the animals, but also to the taxpayers – because the research funds come from public sources,” concludes Maggie Entenfellner.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
