PETA Accuses Palamur Biosciences Lab of Animal Abuse

In a recent revelation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has accused Palamur Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., a research organization in Mahbubnagar, of serious animal abuse.

What Was Allegedly Happening Inside the Lab

According to the complaint, the issue came to light when a whistleblower from within the lab reported horrific conditions and unethical practices involving dogs, monkeys, and pigs used for testing.

PETA India submitted documents, including photographs and videos showing unsafe testing environments, rampant abuse, and animals being confined in inhumane conditions.

Palamur Biosciences is one of India’s largest pre-clinical service providers, conducting medical device and drug pesticide testing mainly for international clients.

What Are the Allegations Against the Company

The allegations against the company include:

• Poisoning of beagles and other animals

• Extreme overcrowding—around 1,500 beagles were kept in a facility meant for 800, with four crammed into cages designed for two

• Isolation and unsanitary conditions—leading to infections, injuries, and untreated wounds

• Lack of veterinary care—even for animals in severe pain

• Deliberate neglect—animals that were no longer useful allegedly died slow and painful deaths

• Rough handling—dogs were reportedly kicked, or had cages slammed on their legs, leading to fractures

• Painful procedures—dogs were injected subcutaneously with compounds that caused severe infections

• Stress and starvation—overcrowding led to food competition, fights, and serious injuries, especially ear wounds that were left untreated

• No sedation—dogs were used in procedures without sedation, heightening fear and distress

The whistleblower reportedly said the animals were in extreme pain, lost their appetite, and suffered major weight loss.

Other serious accusations include:

• Importing Gottingen mini pigs from Denmark without a breeding license

• Killing piglets born to these pigs through painful intracardiac injections

• Providing playtime for pigs only during client visits; otherwise, confining them in small cages

• Illegally sourcing wild-caught rhesus macaques from Rajasthan, some of whom tested positive for zoonotic pathogens like monkeypox

• Allegedly killing infected monkeys while continuing to experiment on others

What Action Has Been Taken

PETA has submitted a formal complaint to:

• CPCSEA (Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals)

• CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization)

• National GLP Compliance Monitoring Authority

They are calling for the lab’s immediate deregistration, prosecution, and rehabilitation of surviving animals.

What Lies Ahead for the Lab

The crackdown on Palamur Biosciences has moved to the next stage.

Bhoothpur police registered an FIR on Wednesday after details of the abuse became public. The central government’s CPCSEA has also formed an emergency committee to inspect the facility. Their report is awaited.

Palamur Biosciences is also facing charges under wildlife protection laws for allegedly capturing rhesus macaques from Rajasthan—an action prohibited under relevant laws.

(Input From Various Sources)

(Rehash/Pooja Bansal/MSM)