Palamur Biosciences in Mahabubnagar booked for animal cruelty after whistleblower, PETA complain

Hyderabad: A Telangana-based animal testing lab has been booked after a whistleblower report, backed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, exposed disturbing acts of animal cruelty allegedly inside its facility.

Palamur Biosciences Pvt Ltd in Mahabubnagar is now facing a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Boothpur Police.

The FIR follows a detailed PETA investigation alleging inhumane treatment of laboratory animals, including overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, injuries from rough handling and use of wild rhesus macaques infected with zoonotic diseases.

Shocking whistleblower allegations

The whistleblower, whose identity remains undisclosed, reported incidents of dogs kept in overcrowded enclosures, leading to frequent fights and untreated injuries. Laboratory animals were allegedly exposed to toxic compounds, often bleeding and in distress, according to PETA’s findings.

The report also accused the lab of illegally acquiring wild rhesus macaques, some of which tested positive for diseases that can be transmitted to humans, posing potential public health threats.

Central branch launches probe

The FIR includes sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for maiming and cruelty to animals, along with violations under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) related to the unlawful capture of protected species.

In response to the report, the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA), a Central government body, has initiated its own inspection of the lab.

Demand for lab shutdown

Calling the case ‘historic,’ PETA India said this marks the first time a legal case has been filed against an animal experimentation lab in the country. Dr Anjana Aggarwal of PETA India stated that the action ‘tears open the veil of secrecy surrounding animal testing in India.’

PETA, with support from the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO), is demanding the lab’s permanent closure, cancellation of licenses, criminal prosecution of those responsible and rehabilitation of all surviving animals.