Chimp abuse alleged at La. primate lab

LAFAYETTE, La., March 4 (UPI) -- Investigators say they have shot video inside the largest primate laboratory in the United States showing researchers abusing chimpanzees.

An unnamed Humane Society investigator supplied video showing chimpanzees, often perched several feet off the ground, being shot with sedation guns with little concern for their safety, ABC News reported Wednesday.

The broadcaster said the video, shot secretly at the New Iberia Research Center, part of the University of Louisiana, showed sedated chimps falling from the perches and crashing to the floor. Another scene shows a lab worker striking a restrained monkey's teeth three times with a pipe.

"The man is sort of threatening him (the monkey) with this pole and smacking his teeth at the same time," the investigator told ABC, describing the video.

"We have a clearly stated a direct 'no tolerance' policy when the welfare of any animal in our care is threatened, and we will continue to strictly enforce that policy," New Iberia officials said in a written statement.