USDA Investigates Allegations of Animal Neglect and Abuse at Monkey Breeding Facility
The US Department of Agriculture is investigating allegations of animal neglect and abuse at Alpha Genesis Incorporated (AGI), a primate breeding and experimentation facility. The investigation was prompted by a complaint from the animal rights organization Peta, which claimed that AGI had subjected monkeys to “abuse and neglect” and had violated the Animal Welfare Act.
According to leaked documents and veterinary reports, multiple primates held at AGI centers in South Carolina had endured preventable traumatic injuries and deaths between 2021 and 2023. The documents also revealed that at least 82 monkeys were injured or died from trauma due to unsafe equipment, inadequate care, and untreated health conditions.
The allegations include cases of monkeys suffering from chronic malnutrition, dying from hyperthermia and heatstroke, and succumbing to infectious diseases such as campylobacter. The documents also detail incidents of monkeys being injured due to incorrect handling, including broken arms and fingers, and tongues that were severed.
One monkey was found dead in his enclosure with his arm stuck in a chain-link fence in front of a heater, while another monkey died after becoming caught in a slide bolt lock. The documents also reveal that AGI had a lack of qualified personnel caring for the primates, and that staff had not checked some enclosures for hours prior to finding dead animals.
Peta’s complaint includes 270 pages of evidence and cites “the pain, psychological anguish, and misery suffered by monkeys at AGI.” The organization is calling for the USDA to take action against AGI and to ensure that the facility is held accountable for its alleged mistreatment of animals.
The USDA has confirmed that it is investigating the allegations and is reviewing additional allegations concerning the deaths of 20 long-tailed macaques at AGI Yemassee on November 25, which were reportedly caused by a heater malfunction. Alpha Genesis has not responded to requests to comment.
The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what actions the USDA will take against AGI. However, the allegations of animal neglect and abuse are a stark reminder of the need for greater scrutiny and oversight of animal testing facilities and the importance of prioritizing animal welfare in research and experimentation.