USDA ISSUES FINAL ANIMAL WELFARE RULESFinal regulations under the Animal Welfare Act for thetreatment of dogs and non-human primates used in researchwere issued Friday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Commercial and federal laboratories will be given three yearsto meet requirements setting minimum cage and pen sizes.Specifications for exercise and the "psychological well-being" ofthe animals take effect Aug. 14. Other regulations for sanitationand feeding are effective March 18.

BAXTER INCREASES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

Baxter International of Deerfield, Ill., said Monday it willincrease the quarterly dividend on the company's commonstock (NYSE:BAX) 15.6 percent to 18.5 cents per share.

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