Animals such as mice, monkeys and dogs are used in learning medical skills. (Photo : www.theplaidzebra.com)
After it was found that dogs were abused during research, Shaanxi-located Xi'an Medical University called to halt surgeries on animals.
The incident also fueled concerns about the welfare of animals such as dogs, guinea pigs, monkeys and rabbits that are used in laboratories in the country. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, at least 12 million animals are annually used for research purposes.
Over the weekend, the university's official micro-blog published a report stating that an investigation found dog abuse and inappropriate management of their carcasses' disposal.
"We required personnel to deal with the case immediately and asked the clinical medical school of the university to suspend practice on animals and improve animal welfare," the report said.
Prior to the posting, an anonymous micro-blog uploaded photos of over 10 bleeding dogs found on the roof of a university building, questioning whether the animals were abused.
An instructor surnamed Feng shared that the dogs were used in medical procedures carried out by the university's students, adding that they were only placed on the roof temporarily.
"The professional organization that cooperates with our school takes the dogs away for treatment after the procedures," Feng further said.
Generally, the students practice the removal of the dogs' appendices.
Laboratory technician Wu Zhenhua of another university in the area noted that animal surgeries are needed by medical students for them to learn clinical skills. Dead animals are buried afterward.
According to the provincial education department, these surgeries are necessary but disposal methods and the surgery procedures themselves should be standardized and strictly followed.
