Student adds opinion to debate

As one of the four Animals in Public Policy students who was involved in "going public" with the tibial osteotomy study at the Veterinary School, I would like to add my opinion to the debate.

Just to clarify, I have not accused Tufts of any crimes involving cruelty to animals. I do, however, feel that the intentional breaking of dogs' legs and the subsequent euthanasia of those animals should not be occurring at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Tufts Vet School is viewed as a leader in ethical veterinary education and practice, and this particular research project contradicts that image. I believe that the information sought from the study could have and should have been obtained through clinical research on dogs with naturally occurring injuries. Unfortunately, the study was not done clinically and was underway using purpose-bred dogs when the students became aware of it.

The contentiousness of this issue seems to clearly illuminate the differing values that are placed on the lives of animals. This issue is one to which the greater Tufts community -- the donors, clients, and prospective students of the University -- obviously have valid perspectives to add.

We students have not been informed of any incidents of violence or illegal activity stemming from our going public with this issue. There has been communication, both privately directed towards Tufts and in the media, from some angry members of the public who have said and written inappropriate things. This, I must say, has been disappointing. But there have been no indications that these sentiments have coincided with any illegal activity. Furthermore, these few individuals do not represent the vast majority of members of the public who have contacted the University with appropriate concerns and questions about the research study.

I realize that not everyone is going to agree about the appropriateness of Tufts conducting the tibial osteotomy study, but I believe that the attention that the research has brought to the school is an indication that a discussion that includes the greater Tufts community is warranted.



Diana Goodrich

Animals in Public Policy student '04