UMass Amherst’s primate labs have a history of animal abuse. They have been cited for a federal animal-welfare violation a few years ago when a monkey was accidentally burned to death, and they have been secretive about the labs, refusing to release the location or footage of the labs despite claiming in vague terms that the monkeys are treated ethically. In 2019, PETA sued in the name of the Freedom of Information Act, won, and released this footage of monkeys isolated in empty cages, pacing and trying to escape. Though UMass is forced to follow certain standards, it is not enough: Primates experience severe psychological distress as well as health problems like Marmoset Wasting Syndrome when kept in captivity. They also form attachments to each other and are devastated if they’re separated from their friends and family. On top of that, at least one test is designed to be stressful to the monkeys.

Such experiments are unnecessary and unjustifiable, and we cannot let this animal abuse continue. UMass needs to shut down their primate labs and retire monkeys to sanctuaries!

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