Vet School justified

The recent controversy regarding the use of research dogs at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine has touched a cord that has a strong emotional component among most caring people. As a dog owner and scientist, I have evaluated the research project from a number of perspectives. Although a handful of students opposed the project, the non-veterinary students who went to the press did not represent the overwhelming majority of Tufts' veterinary students, faculty or administration who likewise share an immense compassion for animals. In fact, the complaint voiced about animal cruelty was unfounded. Inspections immediately following the lodged complaint of cruelty were determined to be without merit by multiple regulatory agencies, including the United States Department of Agriculture, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and the Massachusetts Department of Health. Moreover, the experimental protocol had received critical and careful review by Tufts' internal animal care committee prior to being approved.

As in any veterinary school, medical school or university, research is an integral part of an educational system. Tufts Veterinary School has a strong history of excellence in both clinical and basic research. Research with animals helps us improve our pets' health by curing their diseases, developing vaccines, and treating their injuries. Tufts has long been recognized as a leader in minimizing animal use in teaching and maintains a policy of reducing animal use in research projects. These important values are regularly discussed among our students, faculty, and supporters. I would urge readers to recognize that there is a place for carefully conceived and clinically valuable research that is conducted within the stringent guidelines governing animal welfare. Situations are not always black or white. The difficult choices made at our nation's veterinary schools are made with deep concerns for improving the health and welfare of animals. These are important matters that Tufts continues to address as a responsible institution whose goals are to educate students, provide hospital services to animals, and conduct research that will benefit animal and human health.



Robert Bridges

Professor of Biomedical Sciences

Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine