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Virginia Beagle Breeder Fined $35 Million for Animal Welfare Violations

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Vidhi

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4 min read

07 Jun, 2024

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In a historic ruling, Inotiv, the parent company of a Virginia-based facility that bred beagles for drug experimentation, has been fined more than $35 million. This unprecedented penalty marks the largest fine ever levied in an Animal Welfare Act case, according to federal prosecutors.


The facility in question, operated by Inotiv’s subsidiary, Envigo RMS, was under scrutiny for severe violations of animal welfare laws. In 2022, around 4,000 beagles were rescued from the facility with the assistance of The Humane Society of the United States, which facilitated the adoption of these animals.



Legal Violations and Consequences



Envigo RMS pleaded guilty to conspiring to knowingly violate the Animal Welfare Act, while another subsidiary, Envigo Global Services Inc., admitted to a felony charge of conspiring to knowingly violate the Clean Water Act. These admissions came after US Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia revealed that Envigo’s leadership was aware of the violations since at least July 2021.


The violations included inhumane euthanasia practices that caused unnecessary pain and suffering to several dogs, inadequate veterinary care, and failure to meet basic standards for handling, housing, feeding, watering, and sanitation. During inspections, nearly 450 beagles were found in acute distress, highlighting the dire conditions at the facility.



Environmental Impact



The facility also failed to maintain its wastewater treatment plant, resulting in the discharge of insufficiently treated water into a local waterway. This negligence contributed to environmental contamination, affecting the health and well-being of the surrounding community.



Extensive Inspections and Findings



Over a nine-month period, more than 70 animal welfare violations were documented at the breeding facility. The US Department of Agriculture's review of mortality records showed over 300 puppy deaths from January 1, 2001, to July 22, 2021, with the causes remaining unknown. The facility failed to investigate these deaths to prevent future occurrences.


Despite knowing the facility's non-compliance, Envigo’s leadership opted not to take necessary corrective actions, which would have cost approximately $8 million. Instead, they prioritized profits over legal and ethical obligations.



Community and Humane Society Involvement



Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares emphasized the broader impacts of Envigo’s violations, noting the suffering of over 4,000 beagles and the environmental damage caused by the company's actions. Adam Parascandola, vice president of the Humane Society's Animal Rescue Team, reflected on the emotional journey of rescuing the beagles and bringing them to safety.


“For several long and hot days, our team helped assess the thousands of dogs in the facility as we assisted with the search warrant,” Parascandola said. “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.”



A New Beginning for the Beagles



The Humane Society managed to place the rescued beagles with over 120 shelter and rescue partners, helping them find loving homes. This resolution serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting these responsibilities.


The substantial fine against Inotiv not only holds the company accountable but also sets a precedent for future cases, underscoring the significance of adhering to animal welfare laws. This case highlights the critical role of enforcement in ensuring the humane treatment of animals and protecting environmental health.

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