CUMBERLAND, Va. — A Virginia dog breeding and research facility will pay historic fines after pleading guilty to animal welfare and pollution crimes on Monday.
The U.S. breeder Envigo has agreed to pay $35 million in connection to its mistreatment of thousands of beagles at its facility in Cumberland County. The guilty plea comes after a two-year investigation by the U.S. Justice Department.
The organization pleaded guilty Monday to knowingly violating the Animal Welfare Act and the Clean Water Act, agreeing to pay $22 million in fines and $13.5 million in support of animal welfare and environmental projects, improving their facilities, and covering law enforcement's help in this investigation.
According to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, $11 million (to be paid for each violation) is the largest-ever fine in an animal welfare case.
In 2022, the Humane Society of the United States rescued nearly 4,000 beagles from horrific conditions at the Cumberland facility. These dogs were then put up for adoption across the country.
The beagles were taken from the facility after dozens of documented violations from 2021 to 2022. These violations included failing to provide proper veterinary care, unsanitary living conditions, dangerous flooring, euthanizing dogs without anesthesia, under-feeding nursing mothers, and failing to document the cause of death for hundreds of the dogs.
“Envigo promoted a business culture that prioritized profit and convenience over following the law. This callous approach led to dire consequences: the inhumane treatment of animals and the contamination of our waterway,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh for the Western District of Virginia. “The historic monetary penalties and significant compliance measures as part of these guilty pleas send a clear message: every company, in every industry, must have compliance and corporate responsibility as a critical part of their business model.”
Federal authorities say Envigo violated the Animal Welfare Act by failing to give adequate veterinary care, adequate staffing, and safe living conditions for dogs housed at the Cumberland facility.
It also violated the Clean Water Act by failing to properly operate and maintain the wastewater treatment plant at the facility, which led to untreated wastewater being pushed into a local waterway and negatively impacted the health and well-being of the dogs at the facility.
Envigo is one of the leading suppliers of animals for medical research in the U.S. Its clients include major pharmaceutical companies, universities, and the federal government.
The organization ended operations at its Cumberland facility in 2022. It is no longer breeding or selling dogs.
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 7.
For more information from the Department of Justice in this case, click here.
RELATED:
WATCH NEXT: