SC Rep. Nancy Mace Calls for Federal Probe of Research Facility After 43 Monkeys Escaped

Outcry Grows Over Incident at Wake Forest Baptist Health

South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace is calling for a federal investigation into a research facility after 43 monkeys escaped from the facility last week. The monkeys, which were being used in research at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, escaped from their enclosures on Tuesday, January 24th.

Community Concerns and Animal Welfare

The incident has raised concerns among residents and animal welfare advocates, who are questioning the safety and security of the research facility. Many are calling for stricter regulations and oversight of animal research facilities to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Mace's Request for Federal Probe

In a letter to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Mace expressed her concerns about the incident and called for a thorough investigation. The investigation aims to determine whether there were any violations of animal welfare laws or regulations. Additionally, it will examine the facility's security measures and procedures to prevent future escapes.

Facility's Response and Ongoing Investigation

Wake Forest Baptist Health has apologized for the incident and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The hospital confirmed that all 43 escaped monkeys have been accounted for, and no injuries to humans or animals were reported. The research facility is also reviewing its security protocols to strengthen and prevent future incidents.

Animal Rights Groups Denounce Incident

Animal rights groups have denounced the incident, arguing that it highlights the need for stricter regulations on animal research facilities. They argue that the escape was a direct result of inadequate security measures and that it put the animals and the public at risk.

Questions Remain

Several questions remain unanswered about the incident, including how the monkeys escaped, whether any safety protocols were violated, and what steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The ongoing investigation is expected to shed light on these questions and provide recommendations for improving the safety and security of animal research facilities.