By Kevin Smith
The recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice marks a significant milestone in animal welfare enforcement. Inotiv, parent company of Envigo RMS, has agreed to a landmark settlement exceeding $35 million, including an $11 million fine—the largest ever under the Animal Welfare Act. This follows egregious violations uncovered at their Cumberland, Virginia facility, where our team, in collaboration with federal authorities, facilitated the rescue of over 4,000 beagles throughout 2022.
Our efforts extended beyond rescue to ensuring each dog found a loving home through our dedicated shelter and rescue partners. It was a privilege to witness these beagles begin new lives, supported by our team from their initial removal to their eventual adoption into caring families.
The investigation, initiated with a criminal search warrant in May 2022, revealed distressing conditions at the Envigo facility. Nearly 450 dogs were urgently removed, with additional thousands rescued later. Reports documented shocking neglect, including untreated medical conditions, inadequate nutrition for nursing mothers, and instances of lethal exposure to cold. These findings underscored systemic failures in veterinary care and basic welfare provisions.
In addition to the fines for Animal Welfare Act violations, Inotiv/Envigo will pay $11 million for Clean Water Act breaches and $13.5 million to support animal welfare, environmental projects, and facility improvements. Notably, $1.9 million will aid the Humane Society of the United States for our pivotal role in the investigation.
Crucially, as part of the plea agreement, Inotiv/Envigo will cease all dog breeding and sales—a critical step in preventing future animal suffering. Yet, our work goes beyond immediate rescue; it addresses broader industry practices. Dogs bred for testing endure ongoing suffering in laboratories, as highlighted by recent investigations. We advocate for humane alternatives to animal testing, urging industry-wide adoption of advanced technologies.
This case exemplifies effective collaboration between federal agencies, demonstrating the impact of unified enforcement efforts. It also underscores the need for legislative reforms, such as the Better CARE for Animals Act, empowering agencies with enhanced enforcement tools and strengthening accountability across the board.
The resolution of this case not only marks a historic achievement in combating animal cruelty but also signals a societal shift towards greater compassion for animals. It reaffirms our collective commitment to ensuring that every animal is treated with dignity and respect.
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