Story By: Kathryn Quinn, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
Video Credit: CEN/Cruelty Free International and SOKO Tierschutz
Pressure is growing on the horror lab where animal activists found monkeys strapped in metal harnesses amid allegations the lab hid animals from investigators.
The scenes at the German laboratory in Mienenbuttel in Neu Wulmstorf, Lower Saxony became apparent through a joint investigation by Soko Tierschutz and Cruelty Free International and graphic footage was obtained as part of the joint operation after an undercover worker got a job at the lab.
After the footage was released, authorities conducted a spot check of the LPT (Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology) facility and confirmed the allegations made by the animal activists.
Criticism of the lab is mounting and protests against the lab have been held as investigators look into the lab.
But now the Green Party is alleging the lab is moving animals to another location to escape investigators, moving them from the location in Mienenbuettel to a lab in Ploen, a district in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, also used by the company.
Local Green Party politician Christiane Blomeke, said: “Animal activists have reported to us that dogs and monkeys have been transported elsewhere.”
Local animal activists believe that the company is trying to cover up the conditions at its lab for investigators.
The authorities are not aware of the animals being moved locations but a spokesman for the local authorities investigating said: “In theory, the animals can be moved without any specific ruling.”
However, the authorities are said to be alarmed at the accusations and the spokesman added: “LPT must now inform us in advance if they plan to kill animals, this should prevent animals being killed in large numbers and cover-ups of the animals being killed.
“LPT also has to inform us if an animal leaves the LPT lab.”
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets to protest against the animal lab.
Friedrich Mulln from Soko Tierschutz said: “I have had goosebumps all day. Around 7,500 people took part in the demonstration and another 700 took part in a picket action in front of the lab. I didn’t expect that many people.”
The local regulation authority Laves – the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety has filed charges with the Public Prosecutor in Luneburg for alleged violations against animal protection laws.
Minister for Agriculture Barbara Otte-Kinast said: “If these allegations prove to be true, they would have to be punished and quick consequences be put in place.
“A possible revocation of the animal testing licence is being checked by Laves.”
If the licence is revoked, the animal testing lab would have to be closed with immediate effect.
The veterinary inspection office has also been questioned as to why they did not spot any irregularities during checks.
A spokesman said: “We are looking into this.”
The spokesman for the local authorities said: “The laboratory will now get the opportunity to fulfil the correct procedures and will receive a fine.”
Further checks will now be carried out to determine the future of the lab which could result in closure.
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