Lab where horrifying secret footage showed monkeys scream in pain could reopen

A lab where secret, horrific footage showed monkeys screaming in pain was closed.

The disturbing video, which was secretly shot in the Laboratory for Phramacology and Toxicology (LPT) in Hamburg, was published by animal rights activists last year.

It showed monkeys screaming in pain when they were tested. The film also appears to feature cats and dogs who, after cruel tests, appear to bleed and even appear to die.

The monkeys hung from metal harnesses strapped to their necks and were filmed weeping like newborns.

When the animals were not caught by traps, they were kept in small cages.

Friedrich Mülln from Soko Tierschutz said: “The animals even wagged their tails when they were brought to kill, the dogs were desperate for human contact.

“The worst treatment has been retained for the monkeys. The macaque monkey breed are small, relatively light primates that are widely used for animal studies in LPT.

“They are kept in small cages in cramped conditions. Many of the animals have compulsive tendencies and are seen in circles.”

The harrowing video was shot by an undercover worker from Soko Animal Welfare and Cruelty Free International (CFI).

It shows that cats, dogs and rabbits were left in a very excited state while performing toxicological tests.

The CFI says the tests poison animals to determine how much of a chemical or drug it takes to cause serious harm, to measure what the “safe” dose might be for humans.

They claim that increasing amounts of a substance are injected, made to eat or inhaled into animals to measure toxic effects.

The terrible effects are vomiting, internal bleeding, shortness of breath, fever, weight loss, lethargy, skin problems, organ failure, and even death.

CFI claims animals are not receiving pain relief or anesthetics.

They said they saw beagles bleed after the experiments that had pipes pushed down their throats when given capsules.

He said: “Our investigation has revealed appalling animal suffering, inadequate care, bad practices and violations of European and German law.

“We call for a full review of the use of animals in regulatory toxicity tests in Europe, including the UK.

“Each investigation undoubtedly reveals a similar story of misery and disregard for the law.”

After the publication of the images, thousands of animal rights activists protested on the streets of Hamburg, horrified at what they had seen in the laboratory.

LPT closed in February – news welcomed from CFI.

Dr. Katy Taylor, The CFI Science Director said: “We are pleased that the authorities have taken action and LPT will close its doors for testing on monkeys, dogs and cats at the Mienenbüttel site.”

But there are now fears that the laboratory could reopen after a change in staff and that evidence will be provided that the animals are no longer mistreated.

The ruling Green Party of Germany has announced an initiative to work for more animal welfare.

The Hamburg Senator for Justice and Consumer Protection, Anna Gallina, said: “Improvements in the protection of laboratory animals are urgently needed and long overdue.”