Federal Investigators Uncover Unapproved Euthanasia Methods at Utah State Lab, Leading to Prolonged Animal Suffering
A research laboratory at Utah State University has been cited by federal investigators for euthanizing 82 naked mole rats using an unapproved method, resulting in their deaths taking significantly longer than necessary. The federal inspection report indicates that the lab used carbon dioxide exposure, a method not listed in their approved protocol, to euthanize the animals. Naked mole rats are known for their hypoxia tolerance, meaning they can withstand lower oxygen levels than other animals. This tolerance meant that the carbon dioxide exposure took 40 minutes for the animals to die, which PETA Vice President Alka Chandna described as a 'slow, agonizing suffocation.' The approved method for euthanasia was injection. This incident highlights a critical failure by the university to properly end the suffering of research animals, drawing strong criticism from animal welfare advocates. 
