ATHENS, GA (WXIA) – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has filed a formal complaint with the US Department of Agriculture against the University of Georgia, claiming UGA has allowed animals to be mutilated and cruelly killed in what they describe as an “archaic” medical training course.

PETA says they have obtained documents showing that students in UGA’s Medical Readiness Training Program cut holes in throats, chests and limbs of living dogs, pigs and goats as a part of the course.

“Cutting up and killing dogs and other animals for archaic medical training exercises is morally indefensible and educationally inferior,” said Justin Goodman, PETA director of laboratory investigations, in a statement released Monday afternoon.

University officials meanwhile, say their use of animals conform to legal and ethical standards.