U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Justice Department reports

Envigo Pleads Guilty to Animal Welfare Violations, Fined Record-Setting $35 Million

Jun 3, 2024, 08:16 PM

Research animal breeder Envigo has pleaded guilty to animal welfare and environmental crimes, including pollution crimes, resulting in a record-setting fine of over $35 million. The guilty plea concludes a two-year investigation by the U.S. Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency into the mistreatment of thousands of beagles at a breeding facility in Virginia. Envigo admitted to knowingly violating federal law by failing to provide adequate care to the animals. The fine, the largest-ever under the Animal Welfare Act, includes $22 million in criminal fines and an additional $13.5 million to support animal welfare and environmental projects, cover law enforcement expenses, and improve its own facilities. In 2022, the DOJ secured the surrender of more than 4,000 beagles from the facility.