Sound the Alarm: PETA India Exposes Animal Abuse at Telangana Lab, Urges Shutdown
Animal rights organization PETA India petitions the government to close down an animal testing facility in Telangana due to claims of animal mistreatment.
In a shocking expose, Indian animal rights group PETA India has called for the permanent closure of a registered animal testing facility in Telangana, citing severe violations of animal welfare laws.
Addressing Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Chairman of the Committee for the Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA), PETA India shared evidence of animal torture, including video footage, photographs, and testimonies from former employees. This harrowing documentation allegedly reveals abusive practices at the Mahabubnagar-based Palamur Biosciences Pvt Ltd between 2021 and 2023.
The animal rights group urges the CCSEA to revoke Palamur Biosciences' registration and rehabilitate all surviving animals. Despite reaching out to the company, PTI did not receive a response by the time of publication.
In the damning letter, PETA India accuses Palamur Biosciences of keeping nearly 1,500 beagles in a space intended for 800, breeding them beyond recommended limits, and neglecting to provide proper medical care in cases of serious injuries and infections. The company allegedly flouts Indian animal welfare regulations while jeopardizing biosecurity and ethical standards.
Whistleblowers claim that dogs were subjected to excruciating tests, resulting in abscesses, ulcers, and severe pain, with many untreated and ultimately dying from the ordeal. A particularly gross revelation was the handling methods employed by staff, who reportedly kicked animals and slammed cage doors on their limbs—all captured on CCTV.
The treatment of minipigs and monkeys was no less deplorable. Piglets bred illegally were killed using painful intracardiac injections without sedation. Transported monkeys from Rajasthan were allegedly kept in plastic bags, and two tested positive for monkeypox. In disregard of the potential public health crisis, the company allegedly continued testing on the remaining animals.
Dr. Anjana Aggarwal, PETA India's Scientist and Research Policy Advisor, expressed grave concerns, stating, "The company's practices are entirely out of step with global developments, such as the U.S. government's recent decision to phase out animal testing." The letter references recent announcements by the U.S. FDA and NIH promoting human-relevant alternatives to animal experiments, encouraging Indian authorities to follow suit and release all animals from Palamur Biosciences to "loving homes or recognized sanctuaries."
PETA India has offered assistance to NGOs in caring for and finding new homes for the suffering animals. The CCSEA operates under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- The government of India should consider implementing stricter animal welfare policies following the shocking allegations of animal torture at Palamur Biosciences Pvt Ltd in Telangana.
- As the government explores ways to improve animal welfare laws, it would be prudent to look towards recent announcements by the U.S FDA and NIH promoting human-relevant alternatives to animal experiments.
- The harsh conditions at Palamur Biosciences, including the mistreatment of beagles, minipigs, and monkeys, highlight the need for mental-health and wellness therapies and treatments for lab animals to prevent such abusive practices.
- In light of the ongoing controversy surrounding animal testing in India, crate the Committee for the Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) to involve health-and-wellness experts to supervise animal testing facilities and ensure ethical standards.
- To demonstrate a commitment to humane research practices, the Indian government could convene workshops and conferences on science and healthcare innovations, focusing on non-animal testing methods and animal welfare in science education.
