Ten cats subjected to abusive treatment in a North Carolina research lab are now recovering at the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL). The cats, along with 20 dogs from the same research facility, arrived at WARL last weekend. They were among over 200 dogs and cats surrendered by the lab after undercover work by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) documented numerous instances of abuse and led to a USDA investigation.
The animals were used in research performed by Professional Laboratory and Research Services Inc. (PLRS) in Gates County, North Carolina. PLRS has carried out research for pharmaceutical companies like Bayer, Eli Lilly, Novartis and Merck. The company has stopped their research in response to the investigation.
A PETA investigator spent nine months working undercover at the lab, documenting instances of animals being force-fed certain substances and having others smeared on their skin. In one of those tests, 57 cats suffered seizures and began foaming at the mouth and bleeding from their noses after a chemical was applied to their necks; a second dose of the chemical was applied later that day, according to PETA. Animals at PLRS were also routinely abused by being sprayed with high-pressure hoses, being screamed and cursed at, and being dragged around and thrown into cages.
“These animals have survived an almost unimaginable hell on earth,” according to Dr. Gary Weitzman, WARL’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. Our mission mandates that we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals who have nowhere else to go, and these are among the neediest we have ever welcomed. It makes us really proud and thankful that we are able to help them.”
WARL’s behavior and training staff will work with the animals now in their care to help them recover from their past experiences. When they are ready, they will be made available for adoption.
“Animals are resilient,” said Mary Jarvis, WARL’s chief operating officer, “and with the kindness and patience of the people who 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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