At the University of California, San Diego, cuts in animal‑care staffing have left remaining technicians with dramatically larger caseloads and growing concerns about research quality and compliance. Employees say layoffs—around 16 animal technicians in one unit—have raised individual caseloads from roughly 500 to 800 cages, delayed routine care and created persistent anxiety about further cuts. University spokespeople cited federal funding disruptions and reduced animal census as drivers of staffing changes. The case highlights how budget decisions ripple through research infrastructure and raise labor, welfare and regulatory risks for campuses reliant on animal models.