Shelter Animals in Laboratory Experimentation 379 other neurological pathologies in humans Thirty cats and 60 rats were part of this particular study that occurred from September 2006 through September 2009 In documents filed to justify the use of cats, the experimenters stated, ‘the major reason for using cats is that they are one of the lowest phylogenic species that is gyrencephalic and has a cortical thickness that is similar to humans This allows for a more realistic extrapolation of biocompatibility to humans than performing the study in a lisencephalic species such as the rat Since immunological responses are similar across mammals, we will use rats to examine the response of neural tissue to implantation of micro-electrode arrays.’ (IACUC Approval application 06-09015, University of Utah, C 3.0) Without detailing whether cats, especially former family pets, are appropriate for research for the benefit of humans, the above paragraph indicated that rats were not appropriate for the study, yet 60 rats were approved for use The application to conduct this study further described what would happen to the cats during experimentation: ‘The cats will be made accustomed to resting in the shielded experimental chamber through prolonged exposure and positive reinforcement prior to beginning experiments If necessary a cat restraint bag, a zippered bag which encloses the cat’s body and limbs but not the cat’s head, will be employed.’ (IACUC Approval application 06-09015, University of Utah, C 4.0) Further, ‘We will implant [electrode arrays] into the hind-limb region of the primary motor cortex in up to 10 cats for each type of EA tested.’ (IACUC Approval application 0609015, University of Utah, C 4.0) The EAs stayed in place up to 180 days An orange tabby cat named Robert was one of the abused cats in the above study According to public records, Robert was taken from an animal shelter under pound seizure in Utah on March 13, 2009 and sent to the laboratory at the University of Utah in exchange for $15 Robert was subsequently renamed ‘F09-017’ where experimenters made an incision in his skull and forcibly implanted electrodes into his brain The electrodes were fired up causing Robert’s legs to move involuntarily In a letter dated December 7, 2009, PETA requested the University of Utah president retire Robert and allow him to be adopted The letter states, ‘Laboratory “life” has taken a physical and psychological toll on Robert He vomits repeatedly in his cage, and through his nearly nine months at the U, this once-affectionate cat has become skittish and withdrawn.’ (PETA 2009) Of concern regarding the information contained in PETA’s letter is the physical and behavioral distress of Robert as the experiment continued