North Utah Valley Animal Shelter. University of Utah. Dogs For Sale. Animal Experimentation. Public Trust.

" The barely existent "benefits" of experimenting on these animals doesn't even come close to the resulting moral loss. This is a good example of human depravity and selfishness. It's utterly unacceptable, and no, I will NOT ever take an animal to this kind of shelter; such a place is a fraud." Swampthing (Salt lake Tribune)

Swampthing had reason to be disdainful. It is more than a fraud; it is a betrayal. Recently, PETA uncovered a ghoulish detail about operations at the North Utah Valley Animal Shelter (NUVAS). They have been selling their dogs to the University of Utah who, in turn, uses them for experimentation.

Readers comments on the newspaper naturally veered towards the pros and cons of animal experimentation. But that is not the issue here. The issue is betrayal of mission. Animal shelters provide a haven for homeless and needy animals. That's why it is a shelter. The obligation to protect these animals from harm and sickness is implicit.

It does not matter if animal experimentation achieves some good, or not. If these dogs were sold to a dogmeat trader, the argument would still be the same. You don't present yourself to society as an animal shelter, accept animals from people who believe that you are a shelter, and then take that protective roof away in exchange for money.

In essence, NUVAS ceased to be a member of the animal-loving community. In practice, NUVAS became a business, and a surrogate to a cruel and exploitative enterprise.

PETA's Report on NUVAS

NUVAS Phone: (801) 785-3442 Fax: (801) 785-0514