Youngkin Signs Bills Tightening Restrictions on Breeders-for-Testing as New USDA Report Reveals Envigo Euthanized Dogs Without Anesthetic
April 5, 2022 | Virginia
Flanked by beagles and legislators, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed five bills tightening regulations on dog and cat breeders, a reaction to dramatic reports at beagle breeder-for-medical-testing Envigo, but a full ban on breeding for testing faltered in February.
“This is an important signing ceremony. And it’s important because it signifies how we’re supposed to work together,” Youngkin said from the steps of the Executive Mansion on Monday. “Behind me represents a very diverse group of legislators, legislators that oftentimes find themselves on different sides of issues. And this particular set of circumstances brought people together to do the right thing, common ground, reaching across the aisle working constructively to get things done in a comprehensive way.”
Over several years, USDA reports and an undercover PETA operation revealed concerning conditions at the Cumberland facility formerly owned by LabCorp’s Covance segment. Reports found problems at the facility both before and after Envigo acquired it, with some deaths occurring, such as a puppy that slipped into a drain in October 2021. A newly-released November 2021 USDA report states that some dogs at the facility are euthanized without anesthetic.
“Staff members that are trained and authorized to conduct euthanasia are not following approved procedures, resulting in the euthanasia of animals using methods that cause pain and discomfort,” the report states.
A March 2022 USDA report found fewer problems but still found dangerous housing conditions and questionable medical care. Reports also detail dogs being injured due to fighting…(Excerpt from the Virginia Star)
