United States - August 17, 2024

A disruptive protest by PETA supporters at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst (UMass) Seaside Celebration has thrown Chancellor Javier Reyes' speech into chaos. The demonstrators, holding signs condemning UMass for its treatment of marmosets in menopause experiments, interrupted the event to demand an end to what they describe as horrific animal testing practices.

Security swiftly removed the protesters, who allege mistreatment of marmosets in UMass laboratories, including incidents where monkeys were injured due to negligence. PETA has revealed federal citations against UMass under the Animal Welfare Act, citing instances of staff slamming a marmoset's tail in a cage door and housing monkeys in inadequate conditions.

"PETA is calling for an immediate shutdown of Agnes Lacreuse's lab and accountability for the blatant violations of animal welfare," stated Dr. Katherine Roe, PETA's Chief Scientist. The allegations include surgical procedures on marmosets to mimic menopause symptoms, despite the species not naturally experiencing this condition.

UMass has drawn criticism from alumni and donors, prompting concerns over animal welfare standards at the institution. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cited the university for multiple infractions, including severe burns inflicted on a marmoset during an experiment and failure to report animal illnesses to veterinary staff.