Criticism of the University of Vienna

Local inspection of monkey laboratory raises questions

Common marmosets originally live in the Brazilian rainforest. In a research laboratory in Vienna, they are kept in cages and there are allegations of abuse.

(Bild: Stock Adobe Privat Krone KREATIV,)

A report in the "Krone" newspaper caused quite a stir last week. Recorded footage showed sad images from the monkey laboratory at the University of Vienna and suggested abuses. At a meeting with the media and animal rights activists, the management of the institute was unable to dispel the drastic accusations. 

Following the publication of the revealing article, it was not only our readers who were up in arms; there was probably also tension within the university. Dean Karl-Heinz Wagner invited the "Krone" to come and see for themselves at any time - but an appointment planned for Tuesday morning was canceled at short notice on Monday evening. 

Scheduling difficulties
However, after the "Krone" persistently insisted on a prompt appointment, the time had finally come on Wednesday. They answered questions from the press and gave a tour of the premises, which they had only moved into a few years ago. A total of around ten animals live in the two rooms with cages on display, around half of the entire population of test monkeys. How or where the remaining ten animals live was not shown. 

The pictures provided by the university show animals hopping curiously and actively through the cage and at least showing no obvious signs of illness. Whether the enclosures are smaller than the minimum size remains to be clarified.

(Bild: Angela Stoeger-Horwath)

Pretty plants in front of clean cages
The enclosure looked as clean and tidy as you would expect from an appointment with visitors. Fresh plants with price tags on the tubs round off the impression that the aim is to create a particularly good image. 

Prof. Bugnyar (right) answered questions from Tiercke department head Maggie Entenfellner (second from right) and other experts.

(Bild: Angela Stoeger-Horwath)

But it's not about visual aspects, the pressing questions are not about superficialities. They are about fundamental issues, such as the legal framework in which all this takes place - for example, there is still a lack of clarity regarding the prescribed cage sizes. 

Animal testing, yes or no?
According to the university, the animal husbandry visited is classified as "laboratory animal husbandry", but the experiments with the animals themselves are not declared as animal experiments and do not appear in the official animal experiment statistics. But what is it then? 

The ball is now in Minister Polaschek's court and his department must provide transparent clarification as quickly as possible.

Maggie Entenfellner, „Krone“-Tierecke

An overview of the last ten years would be necessary to answer other open questions, such as the medical condition of the animals. Only the health data and examination results can refute the accusation of malnutrition and possible consequential damage. All relevant questions were referred to the responsible ministry. 

Many questions still unanswered
"The university promised us that it would answer all outstanding questions in a transparent process - but at the same time referred us to Martin Polaschek's ministry. We have done this and are waiting for comprehensive answers, because we still have justified doubts as to whether the monkeys are really well and whether the work here has been and is being done carefully. We owe this not only to the animals, but also to the taxpayers - because the research funds come from the public purse," concludes Maggie Entenfellner.