Texas Biomed pulls $11M bond project request after complaints over primate testing
SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Biomedical Research Institute has withdrawn its $11 million request for bond funding in the face of public outcry over animal welfare concerns.
Texas Biomed had requested money through the $1.2 billion 2022-2027 bond program to improve infrastructure at its aging campus. Though the request had the support of city staff, a citizens committee charged with considering projects for funding received numerous public comments in opposition, based on the institute’s use of primates for animal testing.
Speakers at the Facilities Committee meetings and comments submitted through the city’s website criticized the practice of animal testing and the institute’s history with primates, referencing animal escapes and welfare concerns, such as frostbitten primates during the February freeze.
Ahead of the Facilities Committee’s final meeting on Thursday, Texas Biomed President and CEO Dr. Larry Schlesinger notified Mayor Ron Nirenberg and City Manager Erik Walsh through a memo that the institute was withdrawing its request. He also defended its animal testing practices.
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/12/18/texas-biomed-pulls-11m-bond-project-request-after-complaints-over-primate-testing/