Students protest animal testing

A group of about 30 people staged a candlelight vigil in protest of Neurosurgery Professor Thomas Gennarelli's experiments on animals for head injury research. Two weeks after the group's first demonstration, the protesters came out in the bitter cold to voice their opposition to Gennarelli once again. They marched silently in twos, carrying candles, from High Rise East past the Quadrangle to Goddard Research Laboratories, where they stopped to pray in front of Gennarelli's laboratory. Outreach Director for the Anti-Vivisection Society Dean Smith said he believes Gennarelli is a competent surgeon, but disagrees with his scientific research using animals. Gennarelli is currently treating College freshman Jae Lee, who was hit by a car last week. "I'm not questioning his ability to perform surgery an I'm not questioning his ability as a doctor," Smith said. "What I am questioning is his scientific research and the way that animals are treated in his laboratory." Marc Wessels, pastor of North Wales United Church of Christ, spoke to the protesters about the plight of the animals in Gennarelli's laboratory. "Let us pray for all the creatures who suffer here at the University of Pennsylvania, who have no control over their destiny and who look to us to act on their behalf," he said. . As they walked by the Quad and Hamilton Walk, passing parents and student, some individuals ignored them, while others inquired into their cause. Gennarelli's funding was revoked and his laboratory was shut down in 1985, according to a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals statement. But in April 1991, after external evaluation of a new project using swine, the National Institute of Health awarded Gennarelli a new $3.7 million grant. University spokeswoman Barbara Beck said the demonstrators had the right to protest. "The University respects the opinions of the group concerning the use of animals for medical research," Beck said. "However, our society also places strong emphasis on improving health care and finding cures for diseases that affect both people and animals including pets and wildlife." College junior Sophia Reimenschneider, a participant in the vigil, said she deplores Gennarelli's use of animals for scientific research. "As long as he can prove something he doesn't care who he hurts or how he hurts them," she said. Smith said he plans another demonstration around Christmas time where he will give Gennarelli "presents" for his laboratory animals. In addition he plans for more protests next semester.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.