Time for your weekly glimpse into the seedy underbelly of the animal-experimentation industry! This Friday, we have two "scientists" going head to head for the coveted PETA Files "Vivisector of the Week"* award, granted to the most cold-hearted, unethical animal researcher in academia—with extra points awarded for sheer stupidity of the experiments. Swallow hard and get ready to be revolted, because here are the two contenders for this week's prize:
David Waitzman, UConn.
Waitzman's going to be tough to beat this week. His experiments are so hideous that he's recently been given a citation and fine from the USDA for violating the pathetically low standards required by the Animal Welfare Act. Let's see if we can make this a twofer for Mr. Waitzman, who likes to drill holes in monkeys' skulls and implant steel coils into their eyeballs. PETA is currently
asking the feds to take back Waitzman's grant money in light of his USDA citations. The guy has already received more than $1.7 million in federal funds to conduct these experiments, which should make a lot of people more than a little upset.
George Fahey, UIUC.
George Fahey jumped onto the national stage this week with an article in
The New York Times magazine describing his work surgically attaching tubes to live dogs' intestines for the benefit of the multi-million dollar pet-food industry. As the article points out, "With his academic status and independent financing, George Fahey’s research spares pet-food manufacturers the negative publicity they might attract if they ran their own experiments on surgically altered dogs." That selfless act alone deserves a big lick on the face from one of the grateful pet-food company execs, don't you think? Click
here to read PETA's letter to UIUC's Chancellor suggesting that they look into an alternative to dog mutilation 'round about now.
Please cast your votes now, or if neither of these mad scientists does the trick for you, feel free to nominate a write-in candidate. See you next week!*
*The PETA Files cannot guarantee that they will remember to do this next week.
Comments (66)
TAGGED:
David Waitzman george fahey
Comments
Uhh... disgusting. Both of them are sick.
Sometimes this stuff is so gruesome, It is shameful to believe that we humans, could ever participate in such activities.
Both of these men are disgusting.
Posted by: Jaclyn | September 7, 2007 03:40 PM
Uhh... disgusting. Both of them are sick.
Sometimes this stuff is so gruesome, It is shameful to believe that we humans, could ever participate in such activities.
Both of these men are disgusting.
Posted by: Jaclyn | September 7, 2007 03:40 PM
People like these are sadistic insane criminals which deserve to be eliminated and shame on a state which is funding them!
Posted by: Sacred Cause | September 7, 2007 03:52 PM
The universities are full of disturbed, backwards people who could never function in private industry or the big world.
They hide out at these schools, wasting effort and money on useless, repetitive nonsense that teaches humanity nothing.
Why? Because they make money, get grants, get tenure, inflate their sick egos.
Meanwhile, they could be developing more advanced tests that could really help humanity.
But they don't because it is easier to sit around and practice outdated Victorian science.
Quality control among university staff is practically nil.
Posted by: kelly | September 7, 2007 03:59 PM
I simply could not do this. How can a person sleep at night doing this sort of thing?
Posted by: sherri | September 7, 2007 04:00 PM
And if anyone think that a degree, or a stack of degrees, indicates high intelligence or quality, they are sadly mistaken!
Posted by: kelly | September 7, 2007 04:01 PM
it's really bad when sick monsters want to play GOD! you rascal: can you give one life back? instead of searching your fortune in tortured monkeys heads: give me my dead mother back! you heart-crippled hideous freak!!!
Posted by: little big woman | September 7, 2007 04:25 PM
kelly
Both of your comments are right on target. But the American government that funds this abomination (which is vivsection)with monies gotten from taxpayers is also to blame. This is so shameful and I question the intelligence of anyone who could be so cruel and perform such violent and stupid acts/procedures on defenseless animals. In videos I have seen these low-lifes laughing at the creatures' pain!!! What these sadists do is indefensible! Despicable!
Posted by: Ana | September 7, 2007 04:37 PM
these frankenstein-disciples we got also in europe! but we got enough rascal states funding them!
Posted by: animalfriend | September 7, 2007 05:21 PM
I ask myself if this number one in torture finds a woman! i cannot imagine a woman spending one night with this hellbound scoundrel!
Posted by: Santino Roccaforte | September 7, 2007 05:32 PM
from which kind of a black hole did this freak find his way into our universe? may he go to hell where he comes from!
Posted by: captain nemo | September 7, 2007 05:38 PM
Human dignity begins to assert itself only at the point where man is distinguishable from the animal by pity for it.
Richard Wagner
We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.
Immanuel Kant
If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals.
Leo Tolstoi
It is man's sympathy with all creatures that first makes him truly a man!
Dr. Albert Schweitzer
The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated!
Mahatma Gandhi
Posted by: Don Quijote | September 7, 2007 06:03 PM
these offenders should be gridlocked! society does not need them!
Posted by: mino | September 7, 2007 06:17 PM
I am finding it hard to vote, after all, scum is scum by any other name.
Posted by: Maureen | September 7, 2007 06:35 PM
Get a grip people -- these guys are SCIENTISTS. Unlike you activists, few of whom have Ph.D.s in anything more impressive than hippie tofu smoking.
Posted by: Frank Conley | September 7, 2007 10:19 PM
Shame on them!
Posted by: Niranjan | September 8, 2007 01:38 AM
Should not these mad "scientist" being sharing the headlines with Michael Vick?!
Posted by: deb | September 8, 2007 05:50 AM
Frank Conley: obviously you are not a scientist and not very enlightened, too! if you were you would know that many of us here have degrees and animal torture is never scientific! condoning such miserable, despisable activities shows a lowlife character - i'm sorry!
Posted by: Lord of the Apes | September 8, 2007 08:36 AM
Folks I fear that age is crippling my positive thoughts. Some thirty years plus have I been involved with Animal Rights and have lost count of the $'s given in charitable good faith., only to keep seeing the smiling faces of devils like Waitzman & Fahey keep appearing ! how many more of this specis are waiting in the wings to torture for no ethical reason in helping humanity. Now we have the prospect of the Luther Family ( who control Smithfield meats pumping millions of $'s into China., for more abuse. And as for you Frank Conley turn your brain in for Medical Research your a '' Waste Of SPACE !!!! on this Planet Earth.
Posted by: keith | September 8, 2007 10:14 AM
of course the government will fund such crazy antics, but they wont bring home my family that is over in iraq. fuck george bush and fuck these idiots who put these animals thru such pain for what?? no scientific reason will sit well with me!!!
Posted by: kris shulfer | September 8, 2007 10:44 AM
I have to hand it to peta for allowing some of the ignorant comments such as Frank Conley (who thinks he knows everyones background and also thinks he knows about the people commenting) on this blog. I actually am surprised some of them are allowed but at least it shows that peta lets people have their say (even if the person making them has no facts to back them up). ok peta you are starting to win me over, I'm slowly thinking I may become a member soon.
Back to the blog, I have to wonder what type of person it takes to do the sort of things these two are doing. How does a person get to a state of mind that they could even do that? I don't understand but I honestly don't think I want to either.
Posted by: sherri | September 8, 2007 10:48 AM
I read something interesting in a medical journal today. Dr. Chris Barnard, the world famous South African surgeon who conducted the very first successful human heart transplant had a total disregard for animal experiments, saying that it is of little use to humans.
Posted by: Mia | September 8, 2007 12:28 PM
Frank Conley, these men are torturing animals. I dont give two fucks how "intellegent" you think they are, they are disgusting. At least activist are doing something valuable with their time
Posted by: emma | September 8, 2007 12:38 PM
I feel something or someone may try to stop these monsters.
I feel it in my Buddhist Bones.
All beings tremble before violence
All fear death
All love life
~The Buddha~
Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter | September 8, 2007 02:30 PM
On Saturday, September 8th, I was watching Dan Miller, a local news man in Nashville, interview Nashville Mayorial candidate Bob Clement. Mr. Clement was talking about his love for animals and that at one time he started with twi guinea pigs and ended up with 150 which he donated to Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt is known for its animal testing so I feel sure these guinea pigs were not made into pets but submitted to the torture and ultimate death of animal testing!
I am not sure what Mr. Clements views on animal rights are but I do know he will NOT be getting my vote on election day!
Nashville does not need a mayor that condones animal testing which is animal torture!!!
Posted by: Tamela Nix | September 8, 2007 03:49 PM
As a university professor in the social sciences and a vegan/activist, it is sad to see how people like Maureen blindly trust someone just because they are a scientist with a Ph.D. Throughout American history, medical doctors and scientists have performed heinous acts against people in the name of science such as the Tuskegee Syphillis experiment. Unfortunately cruelty and ignorance do not disappear just because someone earns a degree.
Posted by: Erica | September 8, 2007 05:42 PM
Gee, I thought Frank Conley was tossing us a joke. If, not, Frank, be advised that I do have a Ph.D. in biology, and that I am finding it difficult to decide who to vote for. I am leaning toward George Fahey because of the sheer idiocy of lab testing dog food. What don't we know about canine nutrition, that we need to torture dogs to find out how good the food is? When a chef prepares a new meal in a fancy restaurant, should he be vivesecting his patrons to see if the new dish is palatable? Hmmm. But it is hard to vote against steel coils in eyeballs, for whatever reason. So it's still a split decision.
Posted by: Steve | September 8, 2007 06:00 PM
My brother went to UIUC and I'm disgusted to know that my family's money went to this sick cause.
Posted by: Laura Kozak | September 8, 2007 09:39 PM
people who choose to inflict pain on a healthy animal truly are the scum of the earth.
what goes around comes around, they should be locked up, like anyone elts who chooses to torture animals there’s no excuse.
Posted by: diane | September 8, 2007 09:40 PM
people who choose to inflict pain on a healthy animal truly are the scum of the earth.
what goes around comes around, they should be locked up, like anyone elts who chooses to torture animals there’s no excuse.
Posted by: diane | September 8, 2007 09:41 PM
To Frank Conley: Being a scientist and having a PhD does not give you license to do anything you want, especially if it involves torturing other living beings. Science would be well served by eliminating its unspoken creed that torture is acceptable.
Posted by: Patricia Panitz | September 9, 2007 12:49 AM
I am just wondering if these two scientist will be willing to subject themselves to some kind of hineous experiment for so called , goodness of mankind.
Posted by: Anna | September 9, 2007 03:13 AM
Mia, I don't know what you read but Dr Barnard did not disregard animal experiments, and is on the record defending them. He did have cause for reflection though, when a monkey mourned it's lost friend. He vowed not to use such "sensitive animals" again. I'm not sure how he then defined sensitive.
Posted by: rojo | September 9, 2007 10:45 AM
Rojo you are correct about Barnard he used countless pigs and dogs in Heart Experimentation., only to die of a Heart Attack Himself .. divine justice '' Mia.''
Posted by: keith | September 9, 2007 11:35 AM
how many centuries shall it take until we get rid of such a bunch of no-gooders!?
Posted by: one more blame | September 9, 2007 02:37 PM
Frank Conley
Speak for yourself : I do have one, in history. Irregardless of any degrees, that doesn't give license to anyone to torture the other animals all in the name of "science". Vivisection should be ABOLISHED!!! It should be ABOLISHED now. Vivisection is not science, it is sadists carrying on their violent , gruesome and demonic activities behind closed doors.
Posted by: Ana | September 9, 2007 04:20 PM
This is really a tough call. After much deliberation, I'm going to have to go with Dave, the Monkey Torturer. Inserting metal springs in an animal's eyeballs is just so totally innovative; I can only shudder with anticipation at all the great cures that will surely come out of this important procedure.
Then again, they both have such nice smiles and pleasing facial expressions.
But wait a minute, isn't that a tell-tale sign of a true sociopath? "One who appears outwardly charming but on the inside is covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victims as merely instruments to be used, dominated and humilated..."
In other words, outwardly normal in appearance but in reality has no conscience, soul or capacity for empathy?
On second thought, may both of them equally burn in Hell.
Posted by: Andi | September 9, 2007 06:12 PM
I do hope both these men will receive the same publicity that was given to that so-=called sportsman who abused his dogs and they are shown up for what they are. InAustralia wqe have much the same sort of disgusting cruelty in labs.but these are hard to beat.
Posted by: Elizabeth Janiszewski | September 9, 2007 09:44 PM
These two disgusting morons are obviously scientists who are not intelligent enough to come up with an alternative to antiquated and cruel animal experimentation. What comes around goes around. I shudder to think that these they go home to families with that blood on their hands every night. May their careers crash and burn.
Posted by: Lori | September 10, 2007 09:51 AM
That's where our hard-earned tax payers money goes. These two are sick, and should be condemned to hell. I would like to torture them as they have done to the poor, innocent animals. I would have no remorse.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 10, 2007 03:40 PM
Keith, at 79 heart attack is a real killer.
Posted by: rojo | September 11, 2007 11:50 AM
Let them experiment upon Frank Conly.
In French, Frank Conly means literally Pure Stupidity. I am, according to FC, just a lowly French/English teacher.
It's gruesome enough reading about the 2 madcap scientists but then to read a letter from someone who seems to enjoy goading them on is fathomless. I didn't know humanity could sink so low. He and I are not of the same species. I feel closer to dolphins, sheep, dogs, pigs. Anything but "un franc con" stein.
Posted by: daylight 365 | September 12, 2007 03:24 AM
pass me a drill and some steel coils and give me 5 minutes with these cold hearted fucks...
Posted by: Emily | September 13, 2007 01:17 PM
i will second that emily.
Posted by: diane | September 13, 2007 02:04 PM
How cruel & absurd!!! Why is this going on, for what purpose? These men are sick!
Posted by: Stacey Picolo | September 13, 2007 02:15 PM
If you cannot imagine doing those horrible experiments on your children, you should not do them to defenseless animals (who have no choice in the matter).
Both of these subhuman degenerates get my vote for first place.
Frank Conley gets second place for being an enabling asshole.
Posted by: Maureen | September 13, 2007 03:56 PM
This is why i am as active in animal rights as possible.
This quote motivates me every day.
"All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."
-- Edmund Burke
Posted by: Victor | September 13, 2007 04:34 PM
This is why i am as active in animal rights as possible.
This quote motivates me every day.
"All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."
-- Edmund Burke
Posted by: Victor | September 13, 2007 04:35 PM
What are they studying and trying to 'discover'? WHY are they performing these experiments?
Posted by: Emily | September 13, 2007 04:40 PM
They should thank GOD we don't do what they do to ugly people,because they would be the first to go!
It makes me soooo mad that we can't stop this.Why is it acceptable?God help us
Posted by: Christine | September 13, 2007 04:40 PM
The World is full of these
Frankestein doctors.
How we can stop these Monsters who are killing innocent creatures for a useless purpose?
Perhaps they should suffer also some "vivisection".
That is Justice, I think!
Posted by: Joanna Siokou | September 13, 2007 05:41 PM
The World is full of these
Frankestein doctors.
How we can stop these Monsters who are killing innocent creatures for a useless purpose?
Perhaps they should suffer also some "vivisection".
That is Justice, I think!
Posted by: Joanna Siokou | September 13, 2007 05:42 PM
these guys are so SICK they will get theirs I believe in an EYE for An Eye
I also believe animals are kids with fur!!!! they also Gods creatures
Posted by: pam Dake | September 14, 2007 12:32 AM
i am saddened by these people ....please contact their employers and let them know that you think this is sick and needs to stop ..........again as always boycott those that promote this and let others know
Posted by: elgin lee baker | September 14, 2007 03:54 AM
What they don't publish is how Dr. Fahey has two canine companions at home, Spike and Muffin, and loves them very much! If you knew him personally and knew that he had a loving family, you would not write so many abrasive and hurtful things.
Posted by: Laura | September 14, 2007 10:17 AM
Laura, if these "scientists" truly loved animals, they would never be able to participate in this horrific "research".
Would it be wrong to criticize a serial killer if he was nice to his family or pets???? Give me a break!
Posted by: Michele | September 14, 2007 12:41 PM
Nice, Laura.
I have a loving family and treat my friends very well. By your ethical standards, I'm assuming this totally entitles me to torture this Fahey friend of yours. No, thanks. It stinks.
Posted by: Cristina | September 14, 2007 03:28 PM
Nice, Laura.
I have a loving family and treat my friends very well. By your ethical standards, I'm assuming this totally entitles me to torture this Fahey friend of yours. No, thanks. It stinks.
Posted by: Cristina | September 14, 2007 03:28 PM
Laura
You are so stupid. Wow! He has 2 dogs and a family!! HE MUST BE A NICE GUY THEN!!
You are what we call in Ireland an "amadan". You must be a great judge of character.
Posted by: Laura Jane | September 18, 2007 03:27 PM
Reading about these cruel, sick experiments make me so sick. I have no idea how these people(b/c they are not real men) sleep at night knowing they torture dogs, and other animals for a living. I just think of my dog and what could of happenned to the little guy if I did not adopt him. It makes my skin crawl thinking about it. I beilive in Karma and that is what I beilive will catch up with these two.
Posted by: Taylor | September 22, 2007 09:05 PM
Reading about these cruel, sick experiments make me so sick. I have no idea how these people(b/c they are not real men) sleep at night knowing they torture dogs, and other animals for a living. I just think of my dog and what could of happenned to the little guy if I did not adopt him. It makes my skin crawl thinking about it. I beilive in Karma and that is what I beilive will catch up with these two.
Posted by: Taylor | September 22, 2007 09:05 PM
Where's Valerie ? Free the Animals
Posted by: Anonymous | September 23, 2007 03:26 PM
Has anyone checked out the website for Creative Commons? Look at the Scientific Commons page and see how sick this is. These people actually protect these sickos from the laws that might stand in the way of their experiments. SICK & SICKER I think something should be done about this company.
Posted by: kelly | October 2, 2007 01:56 PM
whoever thinks its okay to do these kinds of things to animals is not right in the head...animals aren't humans!! it doesn't make sense to test on them, when the results won't be the same with humans... heck, we should start testing on humans... NOT! you are sick people!!!!!!!these animals cant say anything, you're torturing them, it's not right.
Posted by: Jessica | June 2, 2008 10:33 AM
While what these men did was truely horrible, you should not judge all university researchers and staff by them. Most university staff and students are humane and ethical people who truely work for the enrichment of the world, and what they love, not for the pay packet.
Posted by: Lauren | June 18, 2008 08:01 PM
If I could I would castrate you both and make you eat your own, well u know what it is. I am ashamed of the government for giving you money to torture animals. we can't judge you by your treatment of animals according to one comment but guess what God can and will, those smiles won't be quite so big when you go to hell. diane
Posted by: diane | June 22, 2008 08:54 PM