Fairfax, Virginia – Nearly two years after the rescue of thousands of beagles from a Virginia breeding facility, there have been significant developments in the case. The company responsible, Envigo RMS LLC, has agreed to pay a record $35 million in fines for violating animal welfare and environmental laws. The guilty plea from Envigo comes after an investigation revealed severe neglect and mistreatment of the animals at the now-shuttered facility in Cumberland County.
Prosecutors found that the company failed to provide proper veterinary care and staffing for the dogs, leading to “massive unlawful discharges” of untreated wastewater into a local waterway. As a result, Envigo was fined $22 million for violations of the Animal Welfare Act and an additional $1.1 million to the Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force and $1.9 million to the Humane Society of the United States. The company also agreed to pay $3.5 million to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for environmental restoration efforts.
Furthermore, Inotiv, Envigo’s parent company, must implement a compliance monitor at its facilities and adhere to strict probationary terms. The fine represents the largest-ever in an animal welfare case, highlighting the severity of the violations committed by Envigo.
The investigation into Envigo also uncovered disturbing practices, such as euthanizing dogs without proper sedation, withholding food from nursing mothers, and neglecting to provide adequate veterinary care. Despite earning millions from the sale of dogs, Envigo failed to make necessary upgrades to its facilities or ensure proper staff training, putting profit ahead of compliance with the law.
In response to the findings, animal rights groups have praised the accountability brought about by the case but emphasize the need for ongoing scrutiny and enforcement. They call for more comprehensive measures to prevent future incidents of animal cruelty and neglect in the research industry. The closure of the Cumberland facility is a significant step, but additional action is necessary to ensure the well-being of animals in similar facilities owned by Inotiv.
The Humane Society, which played a crucial role in rescuing the beagles from Envigo, continues to advocate for stronger animal welfare laws and alternative testing methods in the industry. The organization encourages the public to support legislation like the Better CARE for Animals Act, which aims to enhance enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and prevent further harm to animals in research facilities. As the case unfolds, advocates remain vigilant in their efforts to protect animals from cruelty and exploitation.