Exclusive: Probe of Musk's Neuralink to scrutinize long-criticized U.S animal welfare regulator
Source: Reuters
Law enforcement officials investigating Elon Musk's Neuralink Corp over its animal trial program are also scrutinizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s oversight of the company's operations, after the agency failed to act on violations at other research organizations, according to several people familiar with the matter.
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These sources said the decision by federal investigators to scrutinize the USDA was bolstered by criticism from the USDA's Office of the Inspector General, which has for years described the agency as overstretched and ineffective.
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The USDA’s animal care unit employs just 122 inspectors countrywide. They are responsible for the oversight of 11,785 facilities, including labs, breeders and zoos, the Congressional Research Service, which conducts analyses for the U.S. Congress, reported in July.
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The USDA was especially accommodating under former U.S. President Donald Trump, when the agency allowed researchers to avoid violations if they reported them first.
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Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/probe-musks-neuralink-scrutinize-long-criticized-us-animal-welfare-regulator-2022-12-19/
Much more at the link. This is a horror story about how the USDA has failed in its oversight.
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