Is There a FIR Against Telangana Lab for Animal Cruelty?
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Synopsis
A significant FIR has been filed against Palamur Biosciences Pvt Ltd in Telangana, raising serious allegations of animal cruelty. This unprecedented action follows a PETA India investigation uncovering severe mistreatment within the lab. The case highlights crucial issues surrounding animal testing practices in India.
Key Takeaways
- First FIR registered against animal testing lab in India.
- PETA India exposed allegations of animal cruelty.
- Violations of IPC and WPA reported.
- Government committee formed for investigation.
- Call for closure of the facility by PETA India.
Hyderabad, June 17 (NationPress) Authorities in Telangana's Mahabubnagar district have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the animal research facility of Palamur Biosciences Pvt Ltd for alleged mistreatment and brutal killing of animals within their premises.
This action comes after a complaint from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, leading to the FIR being lodged under Section 173(1) of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for purported breaches of Sections 34, 269, 289, 337, and 429 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), relating to the killing and injuring of animals in the company's care.
The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, has also been invoked, as rhesus macaques are protected under the previous Schedule II Part I of the WPA prior to the Wildlife Protection Amendment Act, 2022. The company's actions of capturing rhesus macaques from the wild between 2021 and 2022 are classified as hunting, which is a punishable offense under the WPA, as indicated by the animal rights organization.
The filing of the FIR follows a whistleblower-led investigation by PETA India, marking the first time an FIR has been lodged against an animal testing lab in India, as stated by the organization.
Dr. Anjana Aggarwal, Scientist and Research Policy Advisor at PETA India, emphasized that this revelation highlights severe issues within major contract laboratories where animals like dogs and rhesus macaques suffer painful procedures and prolonged confinement.
Whistleblower accounts provided to PETA India indicate that this laboratory routinely poisons beagles and other animals, subjecting them to overcrowded cages, social isolation, and ultimately a painful demise when deemed no longer useful.
In response to the expose, the Committee for the Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) has formed an emergency committee to investigate the facility, though the inspection report remains pending.
PETA India recently appealed to the CCSEA to permanently close the animal testing facility.
The organization claims to have acquired video evidence, photographs, and insider accounts from former employees documenting the alleged mistreatment at the Mahabubnagar facility from 2021 to 2023.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize the need for accountability in animal research practices. The FIR against Palamur Biosciences Pvt Ltd represents a pivotal moment in the fight against animal cruelty, highlighting the importance of transparency and ethical standards in scientific research.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the FIR against Palamur Biosciences?
The FIR was filed following a complaint by PETA India, which reported allegations of animal cruelty and illegal practices at the facility.
What laws are being violated according to the FIR?
The FIR cites violations of various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA).
What evidence did PETA India present?
PETA India claims to have obtained video footage, photographs, and testimonies from former employees documenting the alleged abuse.
What is the response from the government regarding this FIR?
The Committee for the Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) has formed an emergency committee to investigate the laboratory.
What is the significance of this FIR?
This FIR marks a crucial step in addressing animal cruelty within research facilities in India, emphasizing the need for ethical treatment of animals.
