UCSF Update ... Settlement ... USDA Hearing Oct 4-14 Canceled ... Oversight - Maybe

September 30, 2005

Dear Animal Advocates:

Well, in case you haven't heard, UCSF has settled its case with the USDA regarding its 75 citations against the university for violating the Animal Welfare Act. Though UCSF did not admit any guilt in the matter, the fact that the university agreed to pay the fine - in this case, $92,500 - I feel, is an indication of some wrong-doing. Anyhow, the USDA hearing scheduled October 4-14 is therefore canceled.

A hopeful development: Virginia Handley and I met with Valerie Tulier, District Director for state Senator Carole Migden, on Wednesday. I was heartened to find out that Valerie is very concerned about the plight of animals in general - whether in labs, the wild or elsewhere. She has native American ancestry and her people's traditions hold a great respect for animals. Still our work with her has just begun, and I believe it will take some time before we can see results.

Currently, we are looking into state laws that may be applied to UCSF to gain more oversight of the university in regard to its care and use of animals. And I will be composing a list of questions to be asked of UCSF by Senator Migden on our behalf. Will update you more on this in the near future.

One last thing: Thank you! - to the many of you who wrote to Senator Migden - this meeting may not have come about without those letters; they truly make a difference, according to Valerie. Thus we may call on you again in the near future to take the time to write our elected representatives.

Bob O'Brien

(for the Vigil)

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