Professor Winders weighs in on Neuralink's animal testing, the lack of enforcement under the Animal Welfare Act, and "animal experiment exceptionalism."  

She was quoted in Reuters exclusive, "Musk’s Neuralink faces federal probe, employee backlash over animal tests," which broke last week, and Vox's follow-up, "Neuralink shows what happens when you bring 'move fast and break things' to animal research." 

"Even when Animal Welfare Act violations are found, researchers get off easy, according to Delcianna Winders, director of Vermont Law and Graduate School's animal law and policy institute. The USDA can impose severe penalties against other enterprises governed by the Animal Welfare Act, including criminal charges, confiscating animals, revoking or suspending licenses, or applying for injunctions. But for research facilities, these are generally of the table (there is a small caveat for confiscation). It's what Winders calls 'animal experimentation exceptionalism.'"

Professor Winders's research and analysis of the USDA's inspections is also featured in the December 19, 2022 Reuters article, "Exclusive: Probe of Musk's Neuralink to scrutinize long-criticized U.S animal welfare regulator."