VA Legislators Introduce Several Bills to Tighten Restrictions on Breeding Facilities - National Humane Education Society
Paws Up! To the Virginia General Assembly for introducing several measures to tighten restrictions and increase penalties for animal abuse and neglect at breeding facilities.
March 9, 2022
Undercover investigators recently released disturbing footage of the inside of a dog breeding facility located in Cumberland, Virginia. This facility, owned by a medical and research supply company called Envigo, breeds and sells animals for use in scientific and medical research, according to a recent news article. This footage revealed rampant animal abuse and neglect occurring at the facility, largely due to housing over 5,000 dogs without nearly enough employees on staff to meet the animals’ daily needs.
The USDA also released inspection reports indicating 13 animal welfare violations on top of the dozens of violations from previous inspections. Not only were puppies and dogs malnourished and living in abhorrent conditions, but hundreds of puppies were found deceased due to unknown causes, according to USDA inspection reports. Despite these horrific findings, the USDA did not seize any of the animals on site or suspend Envigo’s breeding license.
In response to the plight of these helpless dogs and puppies, Virginia legislators have introduced SB 604, SB 457, and SB 442 which would provide increased oversight, transparency, and veterinary guidelines on breeding facilities in Virginia, such as Envigo. These measures have passed the Senate and are waiting for a vote in the House.
Take Action: Virginia residents, call your assembly members and tell them to vote YES in favor of tighter restrictions on dog breeding facilities and more protections for helpless animals used in research!
Learn more about the plight of animals used in science and research and how to help them at nhes.org.
