Two years after their rescue from a Virginia breeding facility, justice has been served for thousands of beagles once destined for animal testing laboratories.
The Department of Justice announced Inotiv, parent company of Envigo, will pay over $35 million as a resolution to an investigation involving a criminal search warrant at Envigo RMS’s facility in Cumberland, Va., in May 2022, marking the largest fine in an Animal Welfare Act case. Additionally, the animal testing company has agreed to pay around $1.9 million to the Humane Society of the United States for its initial efforts in helping rescue more approximately 445 distressed dogs and puppies in the breeding facility.
“While these beagles have since settled into loving homes, the news of the resolution brings back poignant memories of meeting them for the first time two years ago,” says Adam Parascandola, vice president of the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team. “For several long and hot days, our team helped assess the thousands of dogs in the facility as we assisted with the search warrant. We were able to bring approximately 445 dogs and puppies to safety that week, and in the weeks that followed, we held our breath hoping for a new beginning for the nearly 4,000 beagles remaining in the facility. It was an incredible relief and honor for all of us when the DOJ asked us to come back and rescue the remaining dogs, and we are grateful that those responsible for their suffering are being held accountable.”
The follow-up rescue of the thousands of beagles came after the DOJ’s lawsuit cited violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including inhumane euthanasia, inadequate care, and failure to meet minimum standards for animal handling and sanitation.
The Humane Society, with the help of more than 120 shelter and rescue partners, have since helped the rescued dogs find forever homes.
For more information, visit the Humane Society of the United States website.