Animal groups ask DA to investigate mice fights

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Two animal rights groups have asked the Dane County district attorney to investigate whether University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers broke the law in their studies of aggressive behavior.

UW scientists have been studying fights involving mice. But, the Alliance for Animals and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals say UW scientists violated a state law that states “no person may intentionally instigate” a fight between animals. UW animal research director Eric Sandgren said the law was passed to prevent dog fighting, cockfighting or bullfighting, not to stop scientific research.

The State Journal reports the complaint filed with DA is similar to one filed by the animal groups more than a year ago in which they objected to research involving sheep decompression. A special prosecutor declined to press charges in that case.

Information from: Wisconsin State Journal, http://www.madison.com/wsj