UW to release names of animal committee members to PETA, raising research concerns
May 2, 2025, 4:00 PM
A protest by PETA at the University of Washington. (MyNorthwest file photo)
(MyNorthwest file photo)
The University of Washington (UW) lost a 3-year-long to keep the names of its (IACUC) anonymous, the organization Science .
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) will now be able to view the names of the people affiliated with the group.
While PETA sees the situation as a win, UW is worried the impact will stifle animal research.
鈥淪uch actions may affect recruitment of IACUC members in certain situations,鈥� a spokesperson told Science. 鈥淲e take very seriously the humane care and use of laboratory animals used in NIH-funded research and recognize the importance of having IACUCs being fully involved throughout these activities.鈥�
PETA says UW committee should do ‘a better job of protecting animals’
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PETA argues the committee should have nothing to hide.
鈥淚f UW鈥檚 animal oversight committee is so terrified of public scrutiny, it should do a better job of protecting animals tormented, mutilated, and killed in the laboratories they oversee,鈥� PETA Foundation Director of Litigation Asher Smith said via . 鈥淧ETA will continue to expose the shocking mistreatment of monkeys, mice, and other animals used in UW experiments until they are replaced with 21st-century non-animal methods that give proven results.鈥�
IACUs, as explained on the Office of Animal Welfare’s , are responsible for approving all proposed animal projects, regular inspection of animal facilities, semi-annual review of UW’s animal program, and investigating animal welfare concerns.
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