3rd June 2024
A company which bred dogs for research will pay out $35 million in a record settlement, after failing to properly care for thousands of beagles at its facility in Virginia.
The Department of Justice said in May 2022 that Envigo RMS was failing to provide humane care and treatment at its facility in Cumberland, with over 4,000 dogs rescued.
Inspectors had found the animals living in unsanitary conditions, with animals euthanized without anesthesia and nursing without adequate nutrition. On Monday, the parent company Inotiv pleaded guilty to breaking animal welfare laws.
“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,” Adam Parascandola, vice president of the Humane Society of the United States‘ Animal Rescue Team, said in a statement released to Newsweek.
“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 company issued a “statement of contrition” for its actions.
“In committing the crimes identified in the charging document, and by not making the necessary infrastructure upgrades and hiring the requisite staff, we fell short of our standards for animal and environmental welfare and apologize to the public for the harm caused by our conduct,” the statement from Inotiv read.
Inotiv agreed to pay out $35 million, which includes the largest ever animal welfare penalty in the United States. It also committed to invest in its own business to make sure facilities are improved in the coming years.
The DOJ said that Envigo RMS’s facilities in Cumberland were not safe, with the dogs living there not having adequate access to veterinary care.
It also said that Envigo Global Services knowingly violated the Clean Water Act, by letting improperly treated water flow into a local waterway, while also allowing that dirty water to affect the health of the dogs living there.
“Envigo promoted a business culture that prioritized profit and convenience over following the law. This callous approach led to dire consequences: the inhumane treatment of animals and the contamination of our waterway,” U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh for the Western District of Virginia said in a press release.
“The historic monetary penalties and significant compliance measures as part of these guilty pleas send a clear message: every company, in every industry, must have compliance and corporate responsibility as a critical part of their business model.”
The $35 million includes $11 million for each criminal violation, as well as $1.1 million for the Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force, $3.5 million to help restore the environment in Cumberland County, and $1.9 million for the Humane Society of the United States, for its help in the investigation.
Sentencing will take place October 7.
“Everyone victimized in this precedent-setting animal welfare case deserved better: the workers, the beagles, the environment and the community,” Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance said in the DOJ press release.
“Envigo deserves every dollar of its record fine.”
Inotiv also listed its penalties on its website, adding that it hoped others would learn from its experience.
“In resolving this matter, we renew our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal care, as well as to the communities and environments in which we operate,” the statement added.
https://www.newsweek.com/largest-animal-cruelty-penalty-beagles-saved-1907674
NORTH WEST HUNT SABOTEURS 
No, if the undercover animal activists had not exposed this horror, they would still be neglecting their animals. They do not care unless theyare caught and fined. Greed, selfishness, and stupidity.