March 3, 2006

Dr. Philip Austin, President

University of Connecticut

352 Mansfield Road

Storrs, CT 06269-2048

Re:  Experimental procedures involving rhesus monkeys

Dear Dr. Austin:

I am writing you to add my voice to the many others who have spoken out against the use of primates in research procedures taking place at the University of Connecticut.  Specifically, I refer to Dr. David Waitzman's use of rhesus monkeys in highly invasive experimental procedures involving holes being drilled into the animals' skulls so that recording devices may be attached, this for the purpose of studying neurological activity as related to eye movement; apparently intentionally induced brain damage is also involved.  It is my understanding that at least two of the four rhesus monkeys used in these procedures have already died, one from research "complications," the other by euthanasia when the animal's usefulness as a living research tool was at an end.

It is also my understanding that you have gone on record as saying that you have no intention of ending such research practices at your University.  Dr. Waitzman's work is said to be of value with regard the diagnosis and treatment of stroke, progressive supranuclear palsy, strabismus and Niemann-Pick Disease.  Please let it be known that I, along with a growing number of others, strenuously object to the use of primates in these research procedures.  This objection stems from a moral imperative:  to inflict suffering on nonhuman animals for the sole purpose of providing benefits to humans is ethically unacceptable.  (The argument against animal exploitation is, of course, both more complex and subtle than this bald statement indicates; unfortunately, there is neither time nor space enough to go into the matter here.)  Dr. Waitzman's research funding ends as of March 31, 2006.  Should either of the remaining rhesus monkeys be fortunate enough to survive the horrendous ordeal they will be subject to, please consider retiring them to a sanctuary.  At the very least, put an end to the intentionally cruel experimentation you as President of the University of Connecticut have thus far thought fit to condone.  Discontinue Dr. Waitzman's research.  Discontinue any research involving primates, who, as I am sure you well know, are intelligent beings, quite capable of very real suffering, and undeserving of being treated as mere objects or "tools" to be exploited for the purpose of increasing our well-being, regardless of the cost to theirs.

Yours sincerely & etc. . . .