Activists protest the use of dog in demonstration

A dog was killed during a sales demonstration of a medical device.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- A handful of animal-rights activists gathered outside the Cleveland Clinic on Thursday to protest the killing of a dog that was used to demonstrate a medical device during a sales training session.
The protesters, one dressed in a dog outfit, held a peaceful vigil in 18-degree temperatures, with an occasional passing motorist honking. Hospital police watched from a distance and patrol cars passed occasionally.
Dr. Stephen Kaufman, an ophthalmologist unconnected to the hospital, joined the protest organized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and said animal experiments for medical research were overrated. "I do not think animal experimentation is as critical to medical progress as those that do would like people to believe," he said.
Bob Bushok, 32, held a nearby solo counterprotest and said PETA had misrepresented its work. "These folks are hypocrites that play off media hype to further their wacky liberal cause," said Bushok, who encouraged motorists to check an anti-PETA Web site.
Clinic response
In response to the protest, the clinic said it was committed "to integrity in research and to the ethical treatment of animals for research and medical education. It is our policy to carefully evaluate non-animal alternatives and the minimal use of animals."
A clinic neurosurgeon had induced a brain aneurysm in a dog to demonstrate a medical device Jan. 10 to a group of 20 to 25 salespeople. The clinic said that the procedure wasn't authorized and that the hospital bans such use of animals.