Tampa, FL – A national research watchdog organization, SAEN, has
requested an investigation of University of South Florida (USF) after
receiving an anonymous complaint from a whistleblower.

The news conference announcing the complaint will be held on
Wednesday, June 8th at 10:30 a.m. in front of the VA medical facility on
Bruce B. Downs Blvd. across from the USF Medical Center near the
Pedestrian Bridge.

“Information given to us by a whistleblower clearly indicates a grave
situation at the University of South Florida which has taken the lives
of several animals,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., SAEN’s Executive
Director. “We have asked for swift and decisive action by the USDA.”

SAEN has also launched an independent investigation of USF by
requesting animal health care records from USF. “We intend to find out
exactly what is happening inside this facility,” added Budkie.

The University of South Florida has a history of substantial animal
Welfare Act violations dating back into the late 1990’s. Examples of
recent violations include incidents where dogs received first, second
and third degree burns.