ALBAWABA - A company responsible for breeding beagles for medical research has been ordered to pay a record $35 million (€32 million) in fines following a landmark animal welfare case in Virginia.
Envigo RMS, the operator of the facility, along with its parent company Inotiv, admitted to neglecting thousands of dogs housed at their breeding site. Among the reported violations were unsanitary living conditions, inadequate food and water provision, and euthanizing animals without proper sedation.
The investigation, which garnered national attention in May 2022, revealed distressing conditions at the Cumberland County facility. Federal authorities conducted a search, uncovering nearly 450 animals in acute distress. Subsequently, Envigo agreed to surrender all 4000 beagles housed at the site, with many being sent across the country for adoption.
According to court records, the company earned substantial revenue from the sale of these animals, amounting to $16 million (€14 million) between 2019 and May 2022. However, the investigation also highlighted alarming figures, with records indicating that 300 puppies perished over a seven-month period due to "unknown causes."
In addition to charges related to animal welfare, the plea deal acknowledges violations of the Clean Water Act, as the company was found to have released improperly treated wastewater. As part of the settlement, Envigo must pay $3.5 million (€3.22 million) for environmental remediation and appoint a monitor to ensure compliance during their probation period, which may span three to five years.
The closure of the Cumberland facility, which employed nearly 40 individuals, underscores the severity of the situation. Prosecutors emphasized the facility's understaffing issues, highlighting the challenges in adequately caring for the thousands of dogs housed there.
While the plea deal prohibits Envigo RMS and Inotiv from engaging in future dog breeding or sales activities, the investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of criminal charges against individual employees.
In response to the accusations, Inotiv issued a statement expressing regret for falling short of animal welfare standards and reiterating their commitment to upholding the highest standards of care. However, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent oversight and accountability in the treatment of animals used for research purposes.
