Rutgers University reportedly euthanized up to 23,000 mice during the pandemic, according to a document from the school’s financial department. The report, first shared by The Daily Targum, noted the finding was uncovered in a report seeking reimbursement for animals “lost” during the pandemic. “Loss of research animals required for student/postdoc training,” the notes regarding the mice shared. “RBHS was forced to eliminate 4,600 cages of mice, each containing an average of five mice. Assuming an average cost of $50/mice.” The line item included a posted loss of $1.15 million. Rutgers University spokesperson Dory Devlin responded to the report in an email. “During the ramp-down of research last year, principal investigators (PI) were asked to scale down or stop research not deemed critical,” Devlin said. “Mitigating measures, including halting breeding and not starting new studies, as stated before, significantly reduced any need for euthanization. Unfortunately, ending studies early can lead …