A shocking new report alleges that at least 82 monkeys were injured or died due to negligence and inadequate care at a South Carolina animal experiment facility and breeder, just six weeks after 43 monkeys were euthanized. escaped from the same lab,
Documents leaked to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals show that, between 2021 and 2023, multiple primates housed at two Alpha Genesis Incorporated locations in the Palmetto State suffered preventable injuries and deaths, The Guardian reported,
According to the outlet, a whistleblower veterinarian allegedly provided emails, reports and gruesome photos in support of allegations of unsafe equipment use, incompetence, inadequate care and neglect of animal welfare at AGI.
The 270-page long complaint submitted by PETA to the United States Department of Agriculture further alleges that AGI personnel lack the qualifications to care for the animals.
The federal department is now investigating the claims.
A USDA spokesperson told the outlet, “We can confirm that we recently received a complaint from PETA with detailed allegations regarding that facility.” “We take all complaints seriously and look into the allegations to determine if there are non-compliances with the Animal Welfare Act that need to be addressed.”
One example cited in the complaint alleges that, in December 2022, a young, long-tailed macaque was found dead in its enclosure, with one arm stuck in the fence in front of a heater. In the AGI’s autopsy report, dehydration and entanglement were listed as the causes of death, and it was noted that no one had examined the monkey before noon.
In May 2021, an infant monkey reportedly strangled itself to death using a piece of gauze that had secured a water bottle to its crate – which was used only because bottles were not secured. The clip holders did not fit properly, according to an email to AGI staff from one of the facility’s clinical veterinarians.
A year ago, a monkey died after getting stuck in a slide bolt lock with a broken leg and dislocated knee.
According to the complaint, other monkeys under AGI’s care died from hyperthermia and heatstroke as well as infectious diseases.
Internal documents also reportedly show that mishandling by AGI staff resulted in injuries such as broken arms and fingers, torn tails and severed tongues to monkeys and other primates, in unsecured cages and with open doors. He died because of the fighting.
On November 7, 43 monkeys from AGI’s Yamassee, South Carolina, location escaped after a gate was left open. All but four were captured or returned to the facility.
According to USDA registration, AGI provides pre-clinical testing services for drug development.
The primate breeder and supplier has a stake in US National Institutes of Health contracts worth a lucrative $19 million.
(TagstoTranslate)US News(T)Animal Rights(T)Animals(T)Department of Agriculture(T)Monkeys(T)PETA(T)Report
