Elon Musk Neuralink is under a federal investigation after an internal staff complaint for potential animal welfare violations
Elon Musk’s medical technology business, Neuralink, is being investigated for animal cruelty concerns. They say rushing animal testing causes unnecessary pain and fatalities. This was exposed in Reuters documents and by business sources. Neuralink Corp. is developing a brain chip. The business promises to help paralysed and neurological patients walk again.
Two sources familiar with the investigation confirmed that the US Department of Agriculture’s Inspector General began a federal probe at the request of a federal prosecutor in recent months. One source stated the investigation focuses on violating the Animal Welfare Act, which regulates how experimenters treat animals. Reuters examined Neuralink records and interviewed more than 20 current and former employees, who said the inquiries come at a time of escalating controversy surrounding animal research, including claims that CEO Musk’s desire to accelerate development resulted in a sloppy experiment.
Due to failed tests, more animals were tested and slaughtered, according to staff. Documents include unreported messages, audio recordings, emails, presentations, and reports. Musk and company leaders didn’t respond to Reuters’ comments.
The USDA inspector general’s spokesperson declined to comment on how many animals are not specified in US regulations. Scientists could decide when and how to utilize animals. Neuralink passed all USDA facility inspections, according to regulatory documents. According to corporate sources and statistics saw by Reuters, the company has killed more than 280 sheep, pigs, and monkeys since 2018.
The medical technology business is creating a device for paraplegics. Synchron’s ambitions aren’t as lofty as Neuralink’s, yet the FDA approved human studies in 2021. Paralyzed patients can text and type by thinking. According to Reuters, Synchron has controlled animal experimentation but has only killed 80 sheep. Reuters reported in August that Musk might invest in Synchron.