This footage shows the harrowing treatment of monkeys and dogs allegedly at a lab prompting calls for change in the EU and the UK.
The German animal activist organisation Soko Tierschutz together with Cruelty Free International uncovered the horrific abuse which included monkeys being strapped in metal harnesses and kept in tiny containers as well as cats and dogs left bleeding and dying following toxicity testing allegedly at a German laboratory in Mienenbuttel in Neu Wulmstorf, Lower Saxony.
Video Credit: CEN/Cruelty Free International and SOKO Tierschutz
The graphic footage was obtained as part of the joint operation after an undercover worker got a job at the lab.
In Autumn 2018, the LPT Laboratory of Pharmacology an Toxicology put out an advert for new employees. One of the activists applied and was reportedly given a job.
Friedrich Mulln from Soko Tierschutz said: “In 2013, we also tried to get a job there, but were not successful. From December 2018 to March 2019 the undercover investigator worked in the lab.”
The worker reported seeing toxicology testing on the animals including beagles, monkeys, cats and rabbits reportedly carried out for companies in Germany as well as worldwide.
The undercover worker said the animals were kept in horrific conditions. Beagles reportedly had pipes forced down their throats and were given capsules, and were left suffering and often bleeding following the experiments.
Mullen said: “The animals were even still waggling their tails when they were being taken to be killed, the dogs were desperate for human contact.”
Mulln said: “The worst treatment was kept for the monkeys. The macaques bread of monkeys are small, relatively light primates, which are often used for animal experiments at LPT.
“They are kept in cramped conditions in small cages. Many of the animals have developed compulsive tendencies and are seen going round in circles.”
Photos show the monkeys strapped to seats in rows on the wall, others have their heads in restraints and are shown desperately trying to escape. According to the undercover activist, the animals are treated with violence by the workers, who are not trained animal carers.
The cats are reportedly often given up to 13 injections per day by untrained professionals and left to suffer.
The animal activists have reported the case to police who are investigating. They also claim the laws in Germany protecting animals from experiments are not strict enough and call for the laws to be tightened.
LPT is a family-owned contract-testing laboratory carrying out toxicity testing for pharmaceutical, industrial and agro-chemical companies from all over the world in order to meet the requirements of governments and regulatory authorities.
According to the organisation Cruelty Free International: “Toxicity testing involves poisoning animals to see how much of a chemical or drug it takes to cause serious harm, in an attempt to measure what a ‘safe’ dose for humans might be.
“Animals are injected with or made to eat or inhale increasing amounts of a substance to measure the toxic effects which can be severe and include vomiting, internal bleeding, respiratory distress, fever, weight loss, lethargy, skin problems, organ failure and even death. No anaesthetics or pain relief are provided.”
Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of Cruelty Free International stated: “Our investigation has uncovered appalling animal suffering, inadequate care, poor practices and breaches of European and German law. We are calling for the Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology (LPT) to be closed. We are also calling for a comprehensive review into the use of animals in regulatory toxicity testing in Europe, including the UK. Every investigation, without fail, shows a similar tale of misery and disregard of the law.”
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Story By: Kathryn Quinn, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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