While the projects were funded under Long Zheng’s name, it was actually Liang Zheng who led the research. Furthermore, it is important to note that the research has been reinstated following the investigation.
Researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center have been found to mistreat their animal subjects, according to an internal investigation.
In October, researcher Long Zheng discovered a sloughed tail and hindlimb in his lab, as reported by a noncompliance report from KUMC.
This information was obtained by Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!, a national watchdog nonprofit that focuses on investigating animal abuse and illegal activities at research facilities in the United States.
Dr. Zheng holds the position of department chair for pathology and laboratory medicine at KUMC.
Working with animals requires researchers to undergo a rigorous approval process with the KU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
The rats underwent surgeries without receiving any pain relievers or appropriate post-operative care.
According to the report, one of the rats was discovered deceased, while an additional 70 rats have gone missing between June and October.
The lab’s rat colony management has been flagged as having the highest rate of noncompliance on campus, according to a recent compliance review.
After these discoveries, the lab has suspended three research projects. However, these projects can be reinstated if the researchers take the necessary corrective actions.
SAEN has urged Chancellor Douglas Girod to completely terminate these projects and prohibit all staff members involved from ever working with animals again.
According to the report, the lab has been working in collaboration with KUMC administration and the IACUC since March to ensure compliance.
