Group Attends Despite Company's Refusal to Include PETA Resolution About Animal Abuse in Proxy Materials
For
Immediate Release:
May
21, 2012
Contact:
Kristin
Richards 202-483-7382
Bridgewater, N.J. -- Dressed all in black with their mouths sealed with tape and holding signs that read, "Thousands of Animals Suffered in Painful Experiments," PETA members will gather outside the Bridgewater Marriott as Merck shareholders arrive for the pharmaceutical giant's annual meeting. Inside the meeting, a PETA representative will speak in favor of the group's shareholder resolution—which Merck refused to include in its proxy materials—calling on Merck to disclose what steps it is taking to stop the abusive treatment of animals, both in its own laboratories and at contract facilities.
Date: Tuesday, May 22
Time: 8 a.m.
Place: Bridgewater Marriott, 700 Commons Way (at the intersection with Crossing Boulevard), Bridgewater
"Merck's shareholders have a right to know that their company has been cited by the government for socially isolating primates and failing to provide dogs and other animals with veterinary care," says PETA Senior Director of Regulatory Testing Jessica Sandler. "Merck has an obligation to do what is best for its shareholders—but that doesn't mean censoring those who are simply calling for Merck to adhere to federal law."
Merck's repeated violations of the Animal Welfare Act include caging highly social primates in isolation, failing to follow procedures for euthanasia or provide animals with veterinary care, and failing to consider alternatives to painful procedures on animals.
Merck has also previously hired notorious contract laboratory Professional Laboratory and Research Services, which was forced to close after a PETA investigation revealed that workers kicked, threw, and slammed animals into cages. Fourteen felony cruelty charges were filed against workers for these and other abuses.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.