Footage taken inside a centre where puppies are bred for experiments showed them being kept in barren cages and showing signs of extreme stress, according to experts and activists.
clip, by independent What is believed to be the first detailed video shot at MBR Acres in 50 years shows terriers in cages where the floor is soiled with their waste.
Animals can be seen making repetitive movements, which veterinarians say expresses frustration.
A number of high-pitched calls from apparently distressed dogs are constantly heard in the video.
The only effort to entertain the puppy seen in the video is a ball on the chain, but it appears to be hidden.
A veterinarian who saw the video likened the scenes to those inside a pig farm.
Located in Huntington, Cambridgeshire and run by Marshall BioResources, the centre breeds approximately 2,000 or more beagle dogs each year to supply universities and private laboratories where medical and veterinary research experiments are conducted.
Protesters have been demonstrating outside the camp, demanding its closure, since last summer, and last year singer Will Young locked himself at the gate.
The company insists its operations meet high animal welfare standards and are regularly inspected by the licensed Home Office to ensure compliance with guidelines.
An inspection last June found no violations of regulations or legislation.
Advocates for medical and veterinary research on animal testing say it has led to life-changing discoveries, from new drugs and vaccines to transplants, anesthetics and blood transfusions.
But in one clip, a dog can be seen running back and forth in the same way over and over again – according to animal behavior, the “stereotype” behavior seen in captive animals in zoos and aquariums is due to inability to escape or natural behavior. Raised by experts from the University of Winchester.
Animal welfare professor Andrew Knight said the puppies behaved like “closed animals under stress”.
“The puppies displayed the typical pathological repetitive behaviors that are common in enclosed animals with unmet needs; many animals can be seen pacing up and down the same cycle, similar to the way animals in enclosed zoos behave,” He says.
Protest coordinator John Curtin claimed the terrier was barking constantly, and claimed that even people crossing the road from the centre could hear “the dog’s constant, extremely loud barking and often screaming and whimpering”.
Alice Brough, a veterinary-turned-activist, said: “It seems to me that the level of facilities and care provided to these dogs is clearly not adequately taking into account their physical and behavioural needs; Behavior shows that.”
She claimed the video showed that the government’s code of conduct on noise, comfort, space and activity was not well followed.
“Conditions and associated issues are reminiscent of a pig farm. Some areas of the floor were provided with only a small amount of substrate – what appeared to be sawdust.”
Protesters outside, known as Camp Beagle, said the smell was too strong.
Mr Curtin claimed that after months of monitoring the actions of staff, protesters had concluded that the puppies were left alone for 15 hours on weekdays and longer on weekends.
“This video wasn’t picked from months of surveillance — it was picked from random captures of about 20 minutes in total,” he said.
“In our case, it validates the conditions in which dogs are kept in prison conditions and never seem to leave the pen or out of the facility. From our monitoring, we know that howling never turns into a funny sound.”
He added that the dogs had no natural light, only artificial light that came on at 6 a.m. and went out at 6 p.m. The Code of Practice does allow for the complete exclusion of natural light.
The animals will not go outdoors because they must be free of pathogens, MBR said.
Government sources say a ban on animal testing in the UK could lead to more testing abroad, but protesters dispute that.
“The UK has the highest levels of secrecy and the lowest standards. Most people don’t even know it’s going on. They think it was banned decades ago,” Mr Curtin said.
The inclusion of windows should be considered as they are a source of natural light and can enrich the environment
Government guidelines on the care of laboratory animals
Earlier this month, protesters claimed that the vents to the outside had been blocked, so barking and whining could not be heard.
when independent When asked about this, the company replied that the vents help regulate the internal temperature, which is always within operating specifications.
The guide states that animals “have a degree of control and selection over their environment to reduce stress-induced behaviors” and are appropriately enriched.
“It is recommended that all excrement and dirt be removed from all areas used by dogs at least daily, and more frequently if necessary,” it said. “Dogs should be provided with outdoor activities as much as possible.”
“Windows should be considered in storage rooms as they are a source of natural light and can enrich the environment.”
A spokesman for MBR Acres said: “The new footage does not show any irregularities, but does show healthy and content dogs in a regulated breeding facility who are being cared for by a team of well-trained and dedicated staff.
“These dogs usually only make noises in brief bursts, such as when startled by outside noises.
“Some footage showed the animal lying down, which is not surprising for an early morning or late night shoot.
“The condition of these animals is very clear, which is to be expected in a regulated business that is staffed almost entirely by animal care specialists.”
The company will continue to breed animals for medical research until the legal requirements change, the spokesman said.
They add that the use of animals when not conducting research can cause greater suffering for the public, clinical trial volunteers, pets and wildlife.
“We remain proud of what we do every day as our work keeps dogs healthy and accustomed to their vital role in preventing and treating greater suffering.”