Feds to check animal abuse claims at Utah labs

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Federal officials say they'll look into complaints by the animal rights group PETA about the treatment of animals at University of Utah research facilities.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says one of its agents spent eight months working undercover in the labs and documented neglectful and harmful conditions.

The group says it documented a cat that had its skull cut open so electrodes could be implanted on its brain, and kittens that died after chemicals were injected into their brains.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will look into the complaints and make an unannounced visit to the facilities soon.

University officials say they'll also investigate the allegations but emphasize that researchers there have always met federal standards for animal care.