WASHINGTON - The latest edition of the journal Cloning and Stem Cells documents deaths and deformities suffered by cloned pigs at the University of Missouri and Texas A&M.

The University of Missouri study, entitled "Phenotyping of Transgenic Cloned Pigs," cites "a high mortality rate among cloned piglets." Out of 10 born, five died or were destroyed by researchers due to defects such as heart failure, lameness, and anemia. The Texas A&M study, entitled "A Highly Efficient Method for Porcine Cloning by Nuclear Transfer Using In Vitro - Matured Oocytes," documents a 94% failure rate. Out of the 511 manipulated oocytes transferred, only 28 pigs came to term, one of which was still born. Additionally, "another of the 28 piglets was born lacking an anus and tail," a fatal condition called anal atresia. The study suggest that the deformity may have been introduced through the cloning process: "Was the genetic (or epigenetic) defect that led to the anal atresia introduced during the culture of the donor cell, or was it due to inappropriate nuclear reprogramming?"

"Deaths and deformities in cloned animals are the norm, not the exception, and these studies make plain once again that these creatures are suffering terribly in the process," said Wayne Pacelle, Senior Vice President of The Humane Society of the United States."

According to Dr. Ian Wilmut, co-creator of Dolly the sheep "the widespread problems associated with clones has [sic] led to questions as to whether any clone was entirely normal" ("Why no-one should be attempting to clone a child," Roslin Institute. Even Dolly, the product of 277 failed attempts now suffers from arthritis and other symptoms of premature aging possibly caused by cloning.

At a time when political debate is heating up on the topic of whether or not to permit human cloning in the United States and many scientists are quick to proclaim their experiments a success, Dr. Wilmut also offers words of caution: "There is abundant evidence that cloning can and does go wrong and no justification for believing that this will not happen with humans."

The first cloned human pregnancies were reported in April and July of this year. "It should concern us all that scientists are trying to clone humans," said Larry Bohlen, Director of Health and Environment Programs at Friends of the Earth. "Given the evidence of almost certain harm human cloning should be banned."

FoE is a national environmental organization dedicated to preserving the health and diversity of the planet and empowering citizens to have an influential voice in decisions affecting their environment.

The HSUS is the nation’s largest animal protection organization with over seven million members and constituents. With active programs in companion animals, wildlife, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture, The HSUS works to protect all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and field work.