Stuffed in cages, wounded dogs: PETA accuses Palamur Biosciences in Telangana of animal cruelty

Hyderabad: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has alleged widespread animal cruelty at Palamur Biosciences Pvt Ltd, a prominent contract research laboratory in Telangana.

The lab, which conducts drug, pesticide and medical device testing on animals, has been accused of severely ill-treating beagles, rhesus macaques and minipigs.

PETA said the claims have been supported by insider testimonies and disturbing visual evidence.

1,500 beagle dogs kept in cages meant for 800

According to whistleblowers, Palamur Biosciences kept roughly 1,500 beagle dogs in overcrowded cages intended for 800, leading to frequent fights and severe injuries that were left untreated, said Dr Anjana Aggarwal, scientist and research policy advisor, PETA India.

Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, Anjana Aggarwal said that dogs reportedly suffered from painful abscesses and open wounds caused by injected substances, with little to no veterinary care or pain relief provided. Staff were also accused of rough handling, including kicking dogs and closing cage doors on their limbs.

Inhumane euthanasia practices

Elaborating further, she said that the laboratory’s euthanasia methods have been criticised for causing unnecessary distress, as animals were reportedly killed with thiopentone without prior sedation.

Illegal pig breeding and cruel treatment

Palamur imported Göttingen minipigs from Denmark without a proper breeding license and allegedly ordered the killing of newborn piglets via painful intracardiac injections. Despite company policies mandating enrichment and playtime for pigs, these measures were often neglected except during client visits.

Risk of zoonotic disease concealed

Concerns also extend to rhesus macaques sourced from Rajasthan, some of which tested positive for zoonotic diseases like monkeypox. Instead of notifying authorities, the facility reportedly euthanised the infected monkeys quietly, risking further health hazards.

Calls for immediate government action

Anjana Aggarwal also condemned the lab’s practices, calling for immediate government action to shut down the facility and hold those responsible accountable.

PETA India has filed complaints with regulatory bodies, including the Committee for the Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), demanding suspension of Palamur’s license and prosecution of offenders.

Palamur Biosciences has not yet responded to the allegations by PETA. The article will be updated with the laboratory’s statement as soon as they respond.

For further information and access to the evidence mentioned in the investigation, readers can visit PETA India’s official website.