Marshall BioResources is the largest breeder of dogs for research in the United States. Now, a former employee has described dogs there being killed while fully conscious—screaming, thrashing, and struggling after being injected with a lethal drug into their abdomens.
An independent veterinarian who reviewed the evidence concluded that the dogs showed signs consistent with extreme physical pain and that the method did not meet accepted standards for euthanasia.
The Coalition to Save the Marshall Dogs is formally calling on Wayne County law enforcement to investigate. Its criminal referral also details allegations involving the killing of healthy dogs, inadequate veterinary care, dangerous and unsanitary conditions, and other cruelty.
Officials have the power to investigate these allegations, and they need to hear that the public expects action.
Send a message to Wayne County District Attorney Christine Callanan and Sheriff Robert Milby urging them to open a criminal investigation, coordinate with appropriate authorities to conduct an unannounced inspection, and take action to protect the animals.
Dear District Attorney Callanan and Sheriff Milby,
I'm writing to urge you to promptly investigate serious allegations of animal cruelty at Marshall BioResources in North Rose, New York.
On August 31, a criminal referral submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Save the Marshall Dogs presented whistleblower testimony, photographs and video, USDA inspection records, and an independent veterinary expert report concerning the treatment and killing of dogs at Marshall. The referral asks your offices to investigate possible violations of New York's animal cruelty laws, including potential felony offenses.
Among the most disturbing allegations, a former Marshall employee reported that dogs were killed by injecting sodium pentobarbital into their abdomens while they were fully conscious and without sedation or anesthesia. The whistleblower described dogs screaming, thrashing, and struggling before death like they were "burn[ing] alive from the inside." An independent veterinarian who reviewed the evidence concluded that this method caused signs consistent with extreme pain and did not meet accepted standards for euthanasia.
The referral also describes allegations that healthy dogs were killed because they were no longer useful for breeding, because cage space was needed, or because they did not meet commercial preferences. It documents additional concerns involving animal handling, housing, sanitation, and veterinary care.
These allegations deserve an independent investigation.
I respectfully urge your offices to:
- Open a criminal investigation into Marshall BioResources and the individuals responsible for its operations;
- Coordinate an unannounced inspection of the facility; and
- Take appropriate steps to seize and protect animals if the evidence warrants it.
Thousands of animals remain confined at Marshall. Please act swiftly.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
[First Name] [Last Name]
[City] [State] [Zip]
