Madrid’s regional government have suspended all animal testing activity at the Vivotecnia after claims of animal mistreatment.
“Undercover footage was taken by an employee”
On Sunday 10th April, all activities at this facility were halted whilst law enforcement officers investigated the mismanagement and ill treatment of its animals.
Since 2000, Madrid-based research company Vivotecnia have experimented on monkeys, rabbits, and mini pigs to name a few, all in the name of cosmetics, biopharmaceuticals, and food.
Undercover footage was taken by an employee working at the company between 2018 and 2020 and shows “gratuitous cruelty and abuse” of animals.
This footage was published by Cruelty Free International and shows the likes of scissors being used to decapitate rodents and dogs being thrown into cages.
A spokesperson from the European commission said: “What we see in the video reveals unacceptable animal welfare standards and a violation of many requirements laid down in the EU directive.
“The commission expects the Spanish authorities to investigate the matter in full and clarify how this situation was allowed to happen.”
Biotechnologist Lluis Montoliu expressed his concerns on Twitter, stating his “indignation and complete rejection of the unacceptable images of animal mistreatment shown in this video.”
Mi indignación y total rechazo a las inaceptables imágenes de maltrato animal que se muestran en este vídeo. Son totalmente incompatibles con los valores de transparencia y respeto al bienestar animal que defendemos y promovemos desde @COSCEorg y @EARA_ES https://t.co/jCAfMcR1oz
— Lluis Montoliu (@LluisMontoliu) April 9, 2021
In a follow-up tweet he added: “There can be no shortcuts in animal experimentation. Their use in science is a privilege that we must manage responsibly.”
Ayer fue un día complicado. Un vídeo terrible de maltrato animal en una empresa española provocó una respuesta rápida y contundente de los investigadores. No puede haber atajos en experimentación animal. Su uso en ciencia es un privilegio que debemos gestionar responsablemente. https://t.co/IyuE9fSY0l
— Lluis Montoliu (@LluisMontoliu) April 10, 2021
After viewing the footage, the chief executive of Vivotecnia said: “I viewed with deep concern the images and videos that were recently published in the media, images that have left me shocked and dismayed.
“All animals are currently under the care of an on-site veterinarian”
“I sincerely believe that these images do not truly demonstrate the day-to-day reality at Vivotecnia during our 21 years of existence. Yet, even if this is an isolated occurrence, it demands that we take strong measures to prevent this from ever happening again.”
All animals are currently under the care of an on-site veterinarian whilst police officials investigate further.
Madeleine Raine
Featured image courtesy of Anthony Rosa on Unsplash. This image has in no way been altered. Image license is available here.
Madeleine Raine
Mads is a 23-year-old History graduate from Newcastle University. She is passionate about current affairs and British news, with a keen interest in investigative features. Aside from this, she is an avid reader, photographer, and yogi.