East Bay Lab Called Out For Putting Live Rabbit in Freezer Meant For Carcasses

A Bay Area testing laboratory was found to be in violation of federal law when a rabbit that was presumed dead was discovered alive in a freezer for carcasses.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday that staffers at Pacific BioLabs in Hercules had tried to euthanize the animal, one of many used to test pharmaceuticals and medical devices. But U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors found the rabbit wasn't dead when it was put in the freezer.

The alleged breach of the Animal Welfare Act was found during a routine inspection of the company in August. The newspaper says the rabbit's ultimate fate is unclear.

Inspectors ordered Pacific BioLabs to take steps to prevent a repeat of the rabbit freezing, but did not cite the company.

A representative for the firm declined to comment.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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