In late November, 2007, The Medical College of Wisconsin(MCW) Department of Physiology finally relented to public pressure and will no longer be killing dogs in their student labs. MCW was joined by the New York Medical College, which also announced on November 26, 2007 that it will be ending it’s live dog lab, the fourth and last New York state medical school in 18 months to end this outdated practice. MCW, ranked only #46 in medical schools in the U.S., was one of the last medical schools in the country to discontinue this practice, only after persistent pressure from animal welfare groups and hundreds of concerned people in the community that thought that the killing of dogs was inhumane, and participated in protests in front of MCW or called their administrative offices. Looking back, it was amazing how much pressure had to be put on Michael Bolger, the President of MCW, to do the right thing. It was very interesting to learn just who was, and who wasn’t, in charge of the place. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that MCW just doesn’t get it, and will still be one of only 10 medical schools in the entire U.S. that will continue to use live animals in these classes: now, instead of killing dogs, the medical school will use pigs. The Concerned Physicians for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has played a very active role in generating awareness and promoting the cause. They are organizing an event in Milwaukee worth noting; here is there announcement:
The Medical College of Wisconsin is at it again! Despite determined efforts by PCRM members, concerned citizens, and a coalition of animal protection organizations led by the Wisconsin Humane Society, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is scheduled to hold another round of unnecessary animal labs in February. We expect that MCW will use and kill about 60 animals during the course. Please join PCRM members and physicians for a demonstration to save these animals on Monday, Feb. 18—the day the lab is scheduled to begin.
What:
Doctors lead peaceful demonstration at MCW
When:
Mon., Feb. 18, 11 a.m.The lab is scheduled to begin this day.
Location:
North 87th St. at MCW’s main entrance (betweenWatertown Plank Rd. and Wisconsin Ave.), Milwaukee
Parking:
Please use public parking on Watertown Plank Rd. or other adjacent streets. Please carpool when possible.Signs will be provided. Please make sure to dress warmly. No RSVP is required.
As you may know, MCW has switched from using dogs to pigs in its live animal lab. It’s crucial that we continue to let MCW know that there is no justification for killing any animals in the name of medical education.More than 90 percent of U.S. medical schools no longer offer live animal labs.
Please feel free to pass on to friends who might wish to attend, or who may wish to contact MCW directly and lodge a protest about their humane treatment of animals.