Record Penalty for Animal Cruelty
Envigo RMS LLC, a company breeding animals for medical testing, has been fined a record $35 million after 4,000 beagles were rescued from its Virginia facility in 2022. This marks the largest fine ever issued under the Animal Welfare Act, as stated by the US Department of Justice (DoJ).
Breeding facility’s violations
US Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh condemned Envigo’s practices, noting that the company prioritized profit over compliance, leading to severe animal mistreatment and environmental contamination. Envigo’s parent company, Inotiv, agreed to the settlement and will cease dog breeding for five years. Inotiv admitted to failing to meet standards for animal and environmental welfare and issued an apology on its website.
The DoJ’s lawsuit revealed shocking conditions at Envigo’s Cumberland facility, including dogs being killed instead of treated for treatable conditions, and food contaminated with maggots, mold, and feces. Some nursing mothers were left unfed.
Nationwide rescue effort
The rescue of the 4,000 beagles in August 2022 sparked a national effort to rehome the dogs. Envigo admitted to conspiring to violate the Animal Welfare Act and failing to provide adequate care, staffing, and living conditions. Additionally, Envigo Global Services Inc., a sister company, admitted to violating the Clean Water Act, which impacted both animal health and the environment.
Envigo will pay $22 million to the US government, $1.1 million to the Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force, and $1.9 million to the Humane Society of the United States for their role in the beagle rescue. The agreement awaits formal judicial approval on October 7.