Feds Have Cited Alpha Genesis 20 Times for Animal Welfare Violations: PETA Statement

For Immediate Release:
November 8, 2024

Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382

Yemassee, S.C. –

Please see the following statement from PETA primate scientist Dr. Lisa Jones-Engel regarding South Carolina primate experimenter Alpha Genesis, from which 43 monkeys escaped on Wednesday:

Alpha Genesis’ public statements about the escaped monkeys are putting residents of South Carolina at risk and are in direct contrast to what authorities have recently seen at the company’s facility. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cited Alpha Genesis more than 20 times in the last 10 years for violating federal animal welfare regulations that are in place to protect animal and human health. In January 2023, officials noted during an inspection that facility enclosures were filthy and stated that the “lack of proper cleaning and sanitization can lead to harboring of disease-causing organisms.” The agency also cited Alpha Genesis because accumulated debris and monkey waste could “foster breeding grounds for pests and can impact the health of the animals housed in the enclosures.” These young rhesus macaques may not have been intentionally infected with viruses or bacteria in experiments yet, but like all monkeys caught up in the primate experimentation industry, they can carry pathogens that can sicken humans and other animals.

These 43 monkeys made a break for freedom and deserve to live out the rest of their lives safely. Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary in Texas has contacted Alpha Genesis, offering to work with it to provide the animals with a suitable home. This is the only acceptable outcome for these monkeys who have been caught up in this disastrous facility that the USDA has fined for escapes and injuries.

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