Jeremy from Beagle Freedom Project sat down and was interviewed by a newspaper, resulting in this article: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/A-M-refuses-to-share-records-for-animals-in-lab-6393971.php
Will we see any public backlash from it? It's only been two days. I am awash in my unholy wrath right now so I haven't searched for any comments from non-adopters or anything.
I also got the 'final' denial of release of info from TAMU in the mail a couple weeks back. At this point BFP is talking with attorneys to see what they can do. I STILL WANT TO DO A PROTEST BUT NO ONE ELSE SEEMS INTERESTED. Message me if you are. I posted this several times on the BFP adopter FB group yet it's really hard to get anyone to help me out. I certainly have no clue where to even start with a protest or leafletting.
-TD Genesis
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Thursday, June 4, 2015
STILL NO UPDATES
A&M has sent nothing to me or anyone else. Debating calling or emailing them. Not that I think I will get any info, a decent response, or any hope for ever getting info from them. Step up your game, Texas. Stop experimenting on animals!
my 45 day wait time will be up June 30. Then they can request 10 more days if they need to stall. Thrilling, right?
my 45 day wait time will be up June 30. Then they can request 10 more days if they need to stall. Thrilling, right?
Thursday, May 14, 2015
45 day wait time...
...until Texas will come up with another excuse to stall.
I don't quite understand it, but via BFP's adoptee FB group, apparently Texas has 45 extra days from the date they received our requests to make a decision, stall, or whatever they're trying to do. For many of us, that means we may not hear again from the school til June or July. Thrilling.
I want to set up a protest at A&M, since I live in Ft Worth. I am more than willing to drive down there, organize a protest, do anything so those attending the school know what is going on. I have mentioned this a few times on the FB group but no one seems receptive. I'm going to try again after I post this.
Basically, Texas has one more reason to piss me off. I am spreading the word, whenever I see anything from A&M, that they test on animals.
-TD Genesis
I don't quite understand it, but via BFP's adoptee FB group, apparently Texas has 45 extra days from the date they received our requests to make a decision, stall, or whatever they're trying to do. For many of us, that means we may not hear again from the school til June or July. Thrilling.
I want to set up a protest at A&M, since I live in Ft Worth. I am more than willing to drive down there, organize a protest, do anything so those attending the school know what is going on. I have mentioned this a few times on the FB group but no one seems receptive. I'm going to try again after I post this.
Basically, Texas has one more reason to piss me off. I am spreading the word, whenever I see anything from A&M, that they test on animals.
-TD Genesis
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Gofundme for those trying to pay for records
Hello again, world. No update from my end, but several updates from other BFP adoptees. Some schools are charging over $400 for records on lab animals. Here is one gofundme you can help support! If you have one to share, let me know and I will share it!
http://www.gofundme.com/tf4rig?fb_action_ids=10153364054330992&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_ref=undefined&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B708388182605575%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%22undefined%22%5D
Still no word from A&M, only that I am not the only one they are stalling with...
-TDG
http://www.gofundme.com/tf4rig?fb_action_ids=10153364054330992&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_ref=undefined&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B708388182605575%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%22undefined%22%5D
Still no word from A&M, only that I am not the only one they are stalling with...
-TDG
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
little mention on other people's interactions with A&M
There's two I'm curious about but don't have much info as not everyone is as inclined to share info like me. I found two people on BFP's Facebook who have had different experiences. The following is pretty much just speculation...
1) did not received anything from the school at all (need more info, don't think she's responded to me yet). Since I don't know the whole story, who knows with this one...but if the school did not respond at all (including not sending out a letter saying the request had been received) and it has been over 10 days it might have been lost in the mail. The USPS sucks like that. If they did send that letter of receipt but the 10 days have passed and they haven't said anything to the requester, I believe they can get in trouble for that.
2) did not receive the same letter I did. Considering these letter are being sent to the Attorney General (and the requester are receiving copies as an update), they probably need to look alike/have the same amount of info. I can only guess and wait for when BFP compiles all the info they receive from ID Campaign participants and lets us know.
If you have had any interactions with A&M or want me to tell the story of what you've been going through with 'your' school, let me know in a comment and I can feature it. :)
BTW, I am still fighting with stupid Gmail to get emails transferred to an email I actually use, so forgive if I stall in responding to a comment!
-TDG
1) did not received anything from the school at all (need more info, don't think she's responded to me yet). Since I don't know the whole story, who knows with this one...but if the school did not respond at all (including not sending out a letter saying the request had been received) and it has been over 10 days it might have been lost in the mail. The USPS sucks like that. If they did send that letter of receipt but the 10 days have passed and they haven't said anything to the requester, I believe they can get in trouble for that.
2) did not receive the same letter I did. Considering these letter are being sent to the Attorney General (and the requester are receiving copies as an update), they probably need to look alike/have the same amount of info. I can only guess and wait for when BFP compiles all the info they receive from ID Campaign participants and lets us know.
If you have had any interactions with A&M or want me to tell the story of what you've been going through with 'your' school, let me know in a comment and I can feature it. :)
BTW, I am still fighting with stupid Gmail to get emails transferred to an email I actually use, so forgive if I stall in responding to a comment!
-TDG
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
second response from Texas A&M
Texas A&M emailed me again, with a copy of the letter they submitted to the Texas Attorney General. In the letter they mention a person with a similar request. They are getting several from other people who have participated in the Identity Campaign. I hope they are feeling the pressure! I pray to whoever that they have to release the info and don't hold anything back.
Re: Request for a Decision regarding a Public Information Request from [my name] to
Texas A&M University (TAMU 15-289)
Dear Open Records Division:
On April 24, 2015, we submitted to your office a request for a decision regarding a public
information request received by Texas A&M University (the “university”) on April 10, 2015.
The request, enclosed as Exhibit A, is from ____. Ms. ____[they finally realized I am a woman, said Mr last time] is seeking information
“any and all intake records, transfer records, daily care logs, animal health records, treatment and
progress reports, veterinary reports, necropsy reports, photographs, and videos related to [animal
laboratory identification number 29846] [aka Torolf], and any IACUC-approved protocols for any project to
which [the] animal has been assigned since January 1, 2013.”
After reviewing the responsive information, we believe that some of the requested
information, a representative sample of which is enclosed as Exhibit B, are excepted from
disclosure pursuant to section 552.101 of the Texas Public Information Act, Government Code,
Chapter 552 (the “Act”), in conjunction with section 51.914(a) of the Texas Education Code and
section 80 1.353 of the Texas Occupations Code.
We have also determined that certain of the records which are the subject of _____'s request, specifically the protocols presented to the university’s Institutional Animal
Care and Use Committee, are the same records gathered by the university in response to the
public information request received from [another person] (TAMU 15-269) on April 6, 2015.
Please note that we submitted a request for a decision regarding Ms. [other person]’s request
on April 24, 2015. We will rely on that decision for the information responsive to Ms. [me]’s
request.
Section 552.101. Exception: Information Confidential by Law
The requestor also seeks veterinary records which include videos and other information
that relates to standard and incidental health care of animals owned by the university by veterinarians of the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. A
representative sample of such information is enclosed as Exhibit B. We believe this information
is excepted from disclosure pursuant to the Texas Occupations Code, which addresses the
confidential relationship between veterinarians and their clients as follows:
(a) A veterinarian may not violate the confidential relationship between the
veterinarian and the veterinarian’s client.
(b) A veterinarian may not be required to release information concerning the
veterinarian’s care of an animal, except on the veterinarian’s receipt of:
(1) a written authorization or other form of waiver executed by the client;
or
(2) an appropriate court order or subpoena. [this is the important part. Sound like they are NOT required to release info!]
(c) A veterinarian who releases information as required under Subsection (b) is
not liable to any person, including the client, for an action resulting from the
disclosure.
(d) The privilege provided by this section is waived by the client or the owner of
an animal treated by the veterinarian to the extent the client or owner places at
issue in a civil or criminal proceeding:
(1) the nature and extent of the animal’s injuries; or
(2) the care and treatment of the animal provided by the veterinarian.
(d-l) The privilege provided by this section is waived by the client or the owner
of the animal treated by the veterinarian in a proceeding to substantiate and
collect on a claim for the provision of or a debt incurred for veterinary services.
(e) This section does not apply to an inspection or investigation conducted by the
[State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners] or an agent of the board.
(f) A veterinarian does not violate this section by providing the name or address
of a client, or the rabies vaccination status of a specific client’s specific animal, to
a public health authority, veterinarian, physician, or other licensed health care
professional who requests the identity of the client to obtain information for:
(1) the verification of a rabies vaccination;
(2) other treatment involving a life-threatening situation; or
(3) a public health purpose.
(g) A public health authority that receives information under Subsection (f) shall
maintain the confidentiality of the information, may not disclose the information
under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may not use the information for a
purpose that does not directly relate to the protection of public health and safety.
TEx. 0cc. CoDE ANN. §
801.353 (Vernon Supp. 2013).
Through BFP's Facebook page, I have also found others who are being given the same crap. Everyone is getting these letters in the school's attempt to cover up info. Bring it on, Texas A&M. WE WILL NOT BE STOPPED.
Here are the codes the letter refers to:
51.914 http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/txstatutes/ED/3/A/51/Z/51.914
552.101 http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.552.htm
801.353 is covered in the last part of the letter.
-TDG
Re: Request for a Decision regarding a Public Information Request from [my name] to
Texas A&M University (TAMU 15-289)
Dear Open Records Division:
On April 24, 2015, we submitted to your office a request for a decision regarding a public
information request received by Texas A&M University (the “university”) on April 10, 2015.
The request, enclosed as Exhibit A, is from ____. Ms. ____[they finally realized I am a woman, said Mr last time] is seeking information
“any and all intake records, transfer records, daily care logs, animal health records, treatment and
progress reports, veterinary reports, necropsy reports, photographs, and videos related to [animal
laboratory identification number 29846] [aka Torolf], and any IACUC-approved protocols for any project to
which [the] animal has been assigned since January 1, 2013.”
After reviewing the responsive information, we believe that some of the requested
information, a representative sample of which is enclosed as Exhibit B, are excepted from
disclosure pursuant to section 552.101 of the Texas Public Information Act, Government Code,
Chapter 552 (the “Act”), in conjunction with section 51.914(a) of the Texas Education Code and
section 80 1.353 of the Texas Occupations Code.
We have also determined that certain of the records which are the subject of _____'s request, specifically the protocols presented to the university’s Institutional Animal
Care and Use Committee, are the same records gathered by the university in response to the
public information request received from [another person] (TAMU 15-269) on April 6, 2015.
Please note that we submitted a request for a decision regarding Ms. [other person]’s request
on April 24, 2015. We will rely on that decision for the information responsive to Ms. [me]’s
request.
Section 552.101. Exception: Information Confidential by Law
The requestor also seeks veterinary records which include videos and other information
that relates to standard and incidental health care of animals owned by the university by veterinarians of the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. A
representative sample of such information is enclosed as Exhibit B. We believe this information
is excepted from disclosure pursuant to the Texas Occupations Code, which addresses the
confidential relationship between veterinarians and their clients as follows:
(a) A veterinarian may not violate the confidential relationship between the
veterinarian and the veterinarian’s client.
(b) A veterinarian may not be required to release information concerning the
veterinarian’s care of an animal, except on the veterinarian’s receipt of:
(1) a written authorization or other form of waiver executed by the client;
or
(2) an appropriate court order or subpoena. [this is the important part. Sound like they are NOT required to release info!]
(c) A veterinarian who releases information as required under Subsection (b) is
not liable to any person, including the client, for an action resulting from the
disclosure.
(d) The privilege provided by this section is waived by the client or the owner of
an animal treated by the veterinarian to the extent the client or owner places at
issue in a civil or criminal proceeding:
(1) the nature and extent of the animal’s injuries; or
(2) the care and treatment of the animal provided by the veterinarian.
(d-l) The privilege provided by this section is waived by the client or the owner
of the animal treated by the veterinarian in a proceeding to substantiate and
collect on a claim for the provision of or a debt incurred for veterinary services.
(e) This section does not apply to an inspection or investigation conducted by the
[State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners] or an agent of the board.
(f) A veterinarian does not violate this section by providing the name or address
of a client, or the rabies vaccination status of a specific client’s specific animal, to
a public health authority, veterinarian, physician, or other licensed health care
professional who requests the identity of the client to obtain information for:
(1) the verification of a rabies vaccination;
(2) other treatment involving a life-threatening situation; or
(3) a public health purpose.
(g) A public health authority that receives information under Subsection (f) shall
maintain the confidentiality of the information, may not disclose the information
under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may not use the information for a
purpose that does not directly relate to the protection of public health and safety.
TEx. 0cc. CoDE ANN. §
801.353 (Vernon Supp. 2013).
Through BFP's Facebook page, I have also found others who are being given the same crap. Everyone is getting these letters in the school's attempt to cover up info. Bring it on, Texas A&M. WE WILL NOT BE STOPPED.
Here are the codes the letter refers to:
51.914 http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/txstatutes/ED/3/A/51/Z/51.914
552.101 http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.552.htm
801.353 is covered in the last part of the letter.
-TDG
Friday, April 24, 2015
First post/received response to my request today
Hello all. Hoping someone (MANY someones) is reading this. What
is this about? Here’s the ‘about’ section:
Re: Request for a Decision regarding a Public Information Request from
[my name] to Texas A&M University (TAMU 15-289)
Dear Open Records Division:
Dear Open Records Division:
On April 10, 2015 Texas A&M University received a public
information request from [myname]. In the request, enclosed as Exhibit A,
Mr. [my name] is seeking certain information related to a laboratory
research animal.
At this time, the university is in the process of gathering and reviewing information responsive to the request. We believe the requestor seeks records that may include information excepted from disclosure pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, Government Code, Chapter 552 (the Act), sections 552.101 through 552.154, including but not limited to section552.101.
At this time, the university is in the process of gathering and reviewing information responsive to the request. We believe the requestor seeks records that may include information excepted from disclosure pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, Government Code, Chapter 552 (the Act), sections 552.101 through 552.154, including but not limited to section552.101.
Accordingly, we are requesting a decision regarding this request.
In accordance with section 552.301(e) of the Act, we will submit as soon as possible and no later than May 1, 2015, the 15th business day after the receipt of the request, a labeled copy of the requested information, or representative samples thereof, along with our written comments stating the reasons the stated exceptions would allow all or part of the requested information to be withheld from disclosure....
Needless to say, I’m livid. These people are AFRAID to release info
about what they’re doing to these animals. They don’t want the public to know.
They’ll do what they can to HIDE the hell these animals go through. And when
they’re done with the animals, they often kill them. They don’t even get a
chance at a normal life. Other people who are participating
in the Identity Campaign have received even worse. One school wants over $500
in fees for info regarding a lab animal. One lucky person only has to pay
$90, one down to $30.
I'm not the first person the school has sent this letter too. From a quick look at the BFP site, there's at least four others.
In accordance with section 552.301(e) of the Act, we will submit as soon as possible and no later than May 1, 2015, the 15th business day after the receipt of the request, a labeled copy of the requested information, or representative samples thereof, along with our written comments stating the reasons the stated exceptions would allow all or part of the requested information to be withheld from disclosure....
I'm not the first person the school has sent this letter too. From a quick look at the BFP site, there's at least four others.
Now I can only wait.
You can read the sections the letter mentions here: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.552.htm
From a brief look, it seems to be mostly personal information regarding those working with the animals. That I can understand. But using those exceptions to hide what has been done to the dog, that I will NEVER understand. I am hoping the exceptions are just to protect those who run the hellish tests on the animals, not to hide what is being done.
-T.D.G.
You can read the sections the letter mentions here: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.552.htm
From a brief look, it seems to be mostly personal information regarding those working with the animals. That I can understand. But using those exceptions to hide what has been done to the dog, that I will NEVER understand. I am hoping the exceptions are just to protect those who run the hellish tests on the animals, not to hide what is being done.
-T.D.G.
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