Protection for rats

A college student who claims the lab rats she works with don’t get adequate
care has won the right to challenge the US Department of Agriculture, a court
ruled last week. The USDA regulates private zoos, labs and dealers, but says it
doesn’t have the resources to track millions of rats, birds and mice. Animal
rights groups haven’t been able to force the USDA’s hand because courts have
said the groups weren’t in a position to sue. “The case can proceed,” says Dean
Smith of the American Anti-Vivisection Society.