Beagle Breeder Fined $35M for Historic Animal Welfare Violations

The Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency have imposed a historic $35 million fine on Inotiv Inc. and its subsidiaries for severe violations of the Animal Welfare Act and Clean Water Act at a Virginia dog breeding facility. The company, which surrendered 4,000 beagles in 2022, failed to provide adequate care and exposed animals and workers to contaminated water. The fine includes criminal penalties, donations to animal welfare organizations, and costs to upgrade their operations.