tests were to assess the pharmacology and toxicology of potential therapeutics targeting HIV/AIDS. Redacted documents show that the experiments involved 44 beagle puppies that were euthanized and had their vocal cords cut, a procedure called a cordectomy. The documents said that "every effort will be made to minimize, if not eliminate, pain and suffering in all animals in this study." The NIAID said the testing was conducted "as required in animal models by the FDA, in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice guidelines and in a facility accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care or its equivalent." "Vocal cordectomies, conducted humanely under anesthesia, may be used in research facilities where numerous dogs are present," the agency added. "This is to reduce noise, which is not only stressful to the animals but can also ... lead to hearing loss (in humans)." The American Veterinary Association says that such devocalization "should not be used as an alternative to appropriate animal management and facility design" in laboratory settings.