Last Updated on June 4, 2024 by Dog Lover

A company that breeds animals for medical testing, Envigo RMS LLC, has been fined a record $35 million (£27 million) after the rescue of 4,000 beagles from its facility in Virginia in 2022.

The fine, the largest ever issued under the Animal Welfare Act, was imposed by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) for animal cruelty.The company’s parent, Inotiv, has agreed to pay the record eight-figure settlement and has also agreed not to breed dogs for the next five years.

The breeding facility in Cumberland, owned by Envigo RMS, was sued by the US Department of Justice in May for multiple acts of animal cruelty.Inspectors found that some dogs were being euthanized instead of receiving basic veterinary care for treatable conditions.

The animals were also being fed contaminated food containing maggots, mould, and faeces, while nursing mothers were denied sustenance altogether. The rescue of the 4,000 dogs led to a nationwide effort by animal shelters to find new homes for them in the US.

The DoJ stated that Envigo had “conspired to knowingly violate the Animal Welfare Act by failing to provide, among other things, adequate veterinary care, adequate staffing, and safe living conditions for dogs housed at the Cumberland County facility.” The company’s sister company, Envigo Global Services Inc, also admitted to breaking the Clean Water Act by not properly treating wastewater, which negatively impacted the dogs’ health and contaminated the environment.

The agreement requires Envigo to pay $22 million to the US government, as well as approximately $1.1 million to the Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force and approximately $1.9 million to the Humane Society of the United States for their assistance in rescuing the beagles. The deal will be formally approved by a judge on October 7

Last Updated on June 4, 2024 by Dogs Vets

A Dog’s Plea Captivates the Internet

A photo of a homeless dog, begging for food with crossed paws, has melted hearts online. This simple act speaks volumes about the dog’s intelligence, hope, and trust in humans.

The image resonates because it touches on our connection with animals. It reminds us of their capacity for emotion and their vulnerability. It’s a call to empathy and compassion, urging us to consider our role in their well-being.

The dog’s hopeful gesture transcends language, a universal plea for help. It highlights the plight of strays and the importance of treating all creatures with dignity. Kindness towards animals isn’t just good for them, it enriches our own lives.

This viral moment showcases the power of social media for animal welfare. The image has sparked conversations about responsible pet ownership, animal rights, and how we can better help animals in need. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow stories and images to reach vast audiences, inspiring collective action.

The dog’s story has likely motivated many to help. This could be through supporting shelters, adopting pets, or simply being more mindful of animals around us. It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of living beings and our responsibility to treat them with respect.

Ultimately, the power of this image lies in its simplicity. It challenges us to look beyond ourselves and consider the needs of those who share our world. By fostering empathy and taking action, we can create a more compassionate world for all creatures.

Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Dog Lover

Mississippi man’s TikTok goes viral after posting ‘last message’ to family, dog when boat sinks

Easton Barrett, a 33-year-old fisherman from Mississippi, found himself in a life-threatening situation when his boat sank during a fishing tournament in the Gulf of Mexico last Saturday. Along with four friends, Barrett was left stranded in the water, clinging to floating ice chests, after their 28-foot Pursuit center console fishing boat mysteriously sank about 30 miles offshore.

With no time to call for help or grab flares, Barrett managed to record a short video on his phone, which he later posted to TikTok, where it has been viewed more than 6 million times. In the video, set to the tune of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” from the movie Titanic, Barrett expressed his belief that the video could be his final message to his family and his 12-week-old puppy named Louie.

The men remained calm and stayed together in the water, with Barrett’s phone surprisingly still working despite being submerged. After more than four hours of drifting, they were finally rescued by the Coast Guard in Alabama waters, about 12 to 15 miles from where the boat went down.

Barrett credits the three floating ice chests and the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) with saving their lives. He emphasizes the importance of having proper equipment, such as high-quality lifejackets and EPIRBs, which he believes should be mandatory for all boaters.

Barrett plans to lobby for a law to make EPIRBs a requirement, as he believes they made the difference in alerting the Coast Guard and ensuring their rescue.The viral video serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of boating and the importance of being prepared for emergencies.

Barrett’s experience highlights the value of investing in reliable safety equipment and having a plan in place for when the unthinkable happens.