YEMASSEE, S.C.
— The
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
has issued an official warning to
Alpha Genesis
, a South Carolina-based primate research facility, after
22 monkeys died from carbon monoxide poisoning
last December.
The warning, dated
July 2, 2025
, alleges that Alpha Genesis failed to provide adequate shelter and heat to nonhuman primates — a violation that contributed to the monkeys’ deaths. The incident occurred on
December 9, 2024
, and involved a group of
crab-eating macaques
, according to
WCNC Charlotte
.
Facility Has History of Violations
This isn’t the first time the facility has come under scrutiny. Back in
November 2024
,
43 monkeys escaped
the same site, prompting concerns about
outdoor housing safety
and sheltering standards.
The USDA document notes that while this warning is not a final agency action or formal violation, it serves as a
serious notification
. Future violations could lead to
criminal prosecution
or more severe sanctions.
“This Official Warning is not to be construed as a final agency action… but it does open the door for future prosecution if regulations are violated again,” the USDA stated.
PETA Calls for Funding Cut
The latest incident was brought to light by a
whistleblower
who reported the deaths to
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
. The animal rights organization has long criticized Alpha Genesis for repeated animal welfare issues.
Dr.
Alka Chandna
, PETA’s vice president of laboratory investigation cases, described a pattern of neglect.
“We’re talking about monkeys who have frozen to death, monkeys who have died of dehydration, and monkeys who’ve sustained horrific injuries,” Chandna said in an interview.
She also urged the
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
to stop funding the facility.
“As long as money is flowing to Alpha Genesis, they are going to continue to torment and kill monkeys, neglect veterinary care, and keep animals in conditions where they suffer and die horribly,” she added.
Legal Limits on USDA Enforcement
Under current law, the USDA
cannot issue fines or citations
for such violations unless further legal action is taken. The warning issued this month is the
strongest available action
the agency can take without a formal proceeding.
The USDA indicated that any future breaches would be handled with increased seriousness and could include prosecution.
Do you believe animal research facilities should face stronger oversight? Let us know what you think by sharing your voice at
SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com
.
