Exposing Cruelty: Egyptian University Under Fire for Using Dogs in Trainings
A recent flood of whistleblower and student reports connected to a veterinary program at Cairo University in Egypt and other universities across that country paints a picture of cruelty to animals so grotesque and severe it appears to violate the nation’s constitution and law.
In letters sent out this week, PETA demands that the school and government officials launch an immediate investigation, require the use of superior and humane simulation models, and prohibit the use of animals in veterinary training involving procedures that are neither medically necessary nor of direct benefit to the animals involved.
Informant’s Shocking Revelation
An informant—who leaked video footage to PETA Asia reportedly showing a dog, in October 2024, tied to and standing on a metal railing outside of Cairo University, crying in distress—told us that instructors kept the dog in a room without food and water for days and subjected him to different invasive procedures, injections, and an overdose of anesthesia.
Witness Accounts of Horrific Cruelty
Students have reported that dogs endure multiple invasive surgeries, often without proper anesthesia. These claims are supplemented by whistleblower reports to PETA that describe animals “being caught, starved, and kept in bags for extended periods” and reportedly being “electrocuted while still alive and used for live dissection in front of students.”
Emotional Impact on Students
Students in numerous social media posts on Facebook and Instagram expressed that they’ve felt “traumatized” by this abject cruelty passing as education. Some call on the university to “implement ethical treatment standards and proper veterinary protocols.”
Previous Incidents of Abuse
In 2012, Cairo University students reported disturbing incidents of animal abuse, including dogs being tied, dragged, and thrown out of a third-floor window after being used in trainings. PETA Asia also documented cruelty-to-animals allegations against the veterinary faculty.
Offer of Assistance and Transition to Humane Methods
PETA is offering to have their international team of scientists consult with Cairo University and government officials to help modernize science teaching using advanced, animal-free, humane models. There are precedents for transitioning to humane veterinary training methods, as seen in Pakistan’s ban on harmful and medically unnecessary procedures on animals.
What You Can Do
Stay informed on this case and urge institutions to adopt cruelty-free training methods. Take action today by advocating for the cessation of live animal use in medical training programs.
Remember, every voice matters in the fight against animal cruelty and in advocating for ethical practices in education and research. Let’s work together to create a more compassionate and humane world for all beings.
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