On Saturday, September 18th, the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) opened their doors to two groups of animals from separate but horrific conditions.
The D.C. non-profit first opened their doors to 10 cats and 20 dogs rescued from the Professional Laboratory and Research Services, Inc. (PLRS) in Gates County, North Carolina. Over 200 animals were relinquished from the facility after the release of videos and testimony documenting neglect and cruel conditions of the animals in their care.
PLRS, which used the animals in tests commissioned by Bayer, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Merck, and other pharmaceutical companies, has voluntarily ceased to do research. The documentation, which was provided to the USDA after an undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), showed tests where the animals were force-fed some substances and subjected to having others smeared on their skin, causing side effects such as seizures, blindness, and bleeding from the nose. Beyond these cruel tests, PETA’s investigation also showed the routine abuse by their caretakers who screamed at them, sprayed them with water and chemicals, dragged them through the facility, and threw them into cages.
“These animals have survived an almost unimaginable hell on earth,” according to Dr. Gary Weitzman, the League’s CEO. “We’ve made room for as many of them as we can possibly fit, and we will spare no expense of time or money to help them put this nightmare behind them and go on to live lives as cherished members of loving households.
WARL also welcomed 10 pit bulls into their facility this weekend from a suspected Ohio dog fighting ring. These 10 were only a fraction of the 200 pit bulls surrendered to officials after the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and local officials carried out an investigation and search warrant at a property in rural Southeastern Ohio. The owner of the dogs, who also surrendered 300 other animals—chickens, turkeys, boars, and reptiles—was arrested on drug and weapons charges.
Although no animal-related charges are currently being levied against the arrested man, Ohio officials called the case a “hoarding” situation and described the conditions at the property as abusive and neglectful. HSUS is overseeing the animals’ rescue, placing them with different shelters in Ohio and around the country.
While the ultimate goal for both of these groups is adoption, it is expected to take weeks or even months to prepare these animals for life in a home. “Considering the extent of the mistreatment and how long it lasted, you can’t really expect immediate recoveries,” counsels Mary Jarvis, COO of the League. “But animals are resilient, and with the kindness and patience of the people whom we know will step forward to adopt these dogs and cats, they should all make wonderful—and very grateful—companions. And what could be more rewarding than giving these animals, who have never known a kind word or a gentle touch, a loving home.”
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